Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa Predictions

• Tottenham have won only three of their last 13 matches
• Aston Villa have won 12 of their last 14 games
• The Villans have won their last three meetings with Spurs, two of which ended 2-1

Sorry Spurs have plenty to prove

Aston Villa defeated Tottenham 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round last February and they can repeat the trick in what is one of the headline fixtures at this season’s third-round stage.

The FA Cup should be a top priority for both of these clubs, who should see themselves as genuine trophy contenders, and that can ensure maximum focus.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has come under increased scrutiny following a run of only three wins in their last 13 matches and they were undone by an injury-time Antoine Semenyo strike in a 3-2 loss at Bournemouth on Wednesday.

The pressure coming down on Frank should guarantee he goes strong but they are still dealing with a number of first-team injuries and they are 16 points below third-placed Villa in the Premier League.

Villans can get back on the winning trail

The Villans were frustrated in a goalless draw away to injury-hit Crystal Palace in midweek but they had won 12 of their previous 13 matches and there is healthy competition in their squad currently.

Villa were 2-1 winners away at Tottenham in the Premier League in October and Spurs have since suffered home league defeats to Chelsea, Fulham and Liverpool, while also being held by Manchester United and Sunderland.

Unai Emery’s side have won seven of their last 11 games on the road and four of those, which includes away at Tottenham in the Premier League, have ended 2-1.

Spurs showed greater attacking intent in their recent 3-2 loss at Bournemouth and both teams have scored in eight of Villa’s last nine.