Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa Predictions

• Tottenham have yet to win in the Premier League and have yet to score a goal in four league fixtures
• Aston Villa have scored one goal and picked up one point in four league games
• Both teams have scored in eight of the last ten head-to-head fixtures

Nerves to play their part in the capital

Two teams desperate for a win meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday as Tottenham host Aston Villa.

The two clubs would usually expect to compete for a top-six spot, and while that can still happen, both Roberto De Zerbi and Unai Emery have their work cut out for them over the international break to turn their teams’ fortunes around.

Spurs started the season with successive defeats in the Premier League, and while they have stopped the rot with two draws, both games finished 0-0 against Nottingham Forest and Everton.

De Zerbi’s side were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool in the EFL Cup in midweek and they have yet to prove that their hefty summer spending has improved their fortunes.

Villa were also big spenders during the summer, but that was largely due to the fact that several of their first-team squad asked to move on to new challenges.

Emery’s side have enjoyed success in the EFL Cup and Champions League, but with only six shots registered on target in the league, it is tough to see them leaving with all three points.

History can repeat itself

Confidence is low in both camps, but this fixture is usually one that provides entertainment for the neutral. Both teams have scored in eight of the last ten fixtures and in three consecutive meetings.

Spurs have been poor in the league in front of goal, but they have netted six goals in two EFL Cup ties, while Villa have scored seven goals in three outings.

Both squads have plenty of attacking talent, so it should only be a matter of time before they find their magic touch in front of goal.

Emery’s faith in Jackson should pay off

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has started four out of a possible five games for the Villans since his summer move.

While he has only netted once, he has only featured for 67 minutes in the club’s last two games.

Jackson has registered three shots on target in three outings, despite his reduced minutes, and his physical approach should be able to give Spurs problems.

Tammy Abraham was given the chance to impress in the EFL Cup, but he has only played 71 minutes of action in three games, so Jackson should benefit from the extra game time in the Premier League.