Why the screw will turn one way or the other in crucial Tottenham vs Aston Villa showdown

Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur know just how big the stakes are heading into Saturday's showdown.

Neither side has yet to win a Premier League game this season in eight attempts combined.

Villa have taken just one point and scored only one goal in their four matches.

Spurs, meanwhile, have not scored at all though they do have a point more than the Villans.

It is likely that one of these sides will head into the extended three-week international break in the relegation zone.

That depends on the outcome at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday - and there is almost certain to be a winner one way or another.

Spurs vs Aston Villa draws a real rarity

Unai Emery has some big selection calls to make for Villa's clash with Tottenham.

The Spaniard knows just how important this match is.

Leaving North London with no points, or even just one, will leave Villa fans stewing on a dreadful start before league action resumes on 10 October.

The same is of course true for Tottenham, who have at least become accustomed to finishing low down the division.

A draw would not really suit either side, but history suggests that will not be the outcome anyway.

As per Opta data, none of the last 22 top-flight meetings between these sides have finished all square.

That is a rather remarkable run, with Villa winning seven times to Spurs' 15 victories.

While the Lilywhites may have the better record across that run, Villa have won five of the past eight encounters.

What is supercomputer predicting in Tottenham vs Aston Villa?

Villa have won four of their past six away league meetings with Spurs, so the omens are rather positive.

However, Opta's supercomputer is actually predicting a home win this weekend.

Tottenham are given a 48.7 per cent likelihood of winning, compared to 26 per cent for Villa. A draw is therefore at 25.3 per cent.

If that was to happen, and Emery's men come away empty handed, it will only raise more questions over where the Villans are heading.

But hopefully that is not the case and instead it is Roberto De Zerbi who is under the spotlight over the next three weeks as manager of the crisis club.