As the Premier League season nears its dramatic conclusion, the stakes could not be higher for Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, who meet at Villa Park on Friday night with contrasting objectives.
For Villa, the objective is clear, a win would bolster their chances of securing a coveted UEFA Champions League spot, while for Spurs, the match presents a desperate opportunity to avoid finishing 17th in what has been a historically poor season.
Under the astute guidance of Unai Emery, Aston Villa have become one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides, with their recent form propelling them to the cusp of a top-four finish. Last week’s narrow 1-0 victory over Bournemouth may not have been Villa’s finest performance, but it maintained their upward trajectory, taking them level on 63 points with fifth-placed Chelsea, just behind on goal difference.
The win at the Vitality Stadium was emblematic of Aston Villa’s resilience under Emery. Despite managing only six shots and three efforts on target, they were defensively resolute, keeping a second consecutive clean sheet and limiting Bournemouth to speculative efforts. It was Villa’s fifth clean sheet in their last eight Premier League matches, a testament to Emery’s tactical organisation and focus on defensive solidity.
Emery’s tactical structure has transformed Aston Villa into a well-drilled unit, capable of grinding out results and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. With just two games remaining, the Villans’ destiny is in their own hands, and their home form could prove decisive.
Aston Villa have been imperious at Villa Park, going unbeaten in 20 consecutive matches across all competitions, winning 14 times and drawing six. Their last seven home fixtures have all ended in victory, with Emery’s men conceding just three goals in that span.
Moreover, with Chelsea still to play Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Villa’s Champions League hopes remain alive. Victory over Tottenham would set them up perfectly for a final-day showdown that could define their season and determine whether they return to Europe’s elite competition.
While Aston Villa are pushing for a place in the Champions League, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves battling to avoid a catastrophic finishing a spot about the drop zone. Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign, currently languishing in 17th place with 38 points, just above the drop zone.
Last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace epitomised Tottenham’s struggles. The Eagles unleashed a barrage of 23 shots, 10 of which were on target, exposing Spurs’ fragile defence. Postecoglou’s side could have easily lost by a wider margin, with Palace squandering several big chances.
The loss marked Tottenham’s seventh defeat in ten Premier League games, a dismal run that includes four away losses. Spurs have failed to win any of their last five league matches on the road, conceding 13 goals and scoring just four during that period.
In the reverse fixture against Aston Villa in February, Spurs fell to a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park in the FA Cup, but they did manage a 4-1 victory at home in the league in November 2024. However, that result now seems a distant memory, with Tottenham’s form having nosedived since then.
Postecoglou has attempted to justify his side’s league performances by pointing to their extended run in the Europa League, where they have reached the final. Yet, with relegation still a possibility, he may need to prioritise league survival over European ambitions in the remaining fixtures.
Adding to their woes, Tottenham have struggled to find the net consistently, scoring just once in their last three league games. With defensive frailties compounding their attacking woes, Spurs face the daunting task of stopping a Villa side that has been rampant at home. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Aston Villa will be without suspended forward Jacob Ramsey, who is ruled out after receiving a red card in the 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. Ramsey’s absence creates a significant void in the attacking midfield area, particularly as Marcus Rashford is also sidelined with a hamstring injury. This situation presents a tactical dilemma for Unai Emery, who must reshuffle his offensive setup.
Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line as the lone striker. Supporting him will likely be a trio consisting of Morgan Rogers, Marco Asensio, and John McGinn. Rogers’s ability to provide width and Asensio’s playmaking capabilities will be vital in Villa’s attacking transitions, while McGinn’s energy and versatility will be crucial in linking midfield and attack.
The midfield pivot will consist of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana. Kamara’s defensive acumen and Onana’s physicality provide a well-balanced combination in the middle of the park, particularly in the absence of Youri Tielemans, who is set to miss a few weeks due to injury.
At the back, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres will continue their partnership at the heart of the defence, aiming to maintain Villa’s impressive run of clean sheets. Matty Cash will operate as the right-back, tasked with containing Tottenham’s wingers while also providing width in attack. Lucas Digne will occupy the left-back position, contributing both defensively and offensively with his crossing ability.
Emiliano Martinez remains the first-choice goalkeeper, bringing leadership and stability from the back as Villa look to extend their unbeaten run at Villa Park. Aston Villa are expected to maintain their 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasising defensive solidity while seeking to exploit Tottenham’s vulnerabilities through quick transitions and wide play.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Rogers, Asensio, McGinn; Watkins
Tottenham Hotspur face a selection crisis ahead of their crucial Premier League clash with Aston Villa, as they have been hit by multiple injuries and absences in the attacking and defensive departments. The situation is further complicated by the looming Europa League final next week, leading to expected squad rotation by Ange Postecoglou.
James Maddison has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, depriving Spurs of their most creative playmaker. Additionally, Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery and is also unavailable, further reducing Tottenham’s attacking options in the final third.
In attack, Son Heung-min is expected to start in the forward line, flanked by Brennan Johnson and Richarlison. However, with the Europa League final against Manchester United just days away, it is likely that both Son and Johnson will be substituted early to preserve their fitness for the upcoming European clash.
The midfield is also set for changes, with Lucas Bergvall ruled out due to an ankle injury. This opens the door for youngsters Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr to start alongside the more experienced Yves Bissouma in a three-man midfield. Gray’s distribution and Sarr’s defensive work rate will be vital in keeping Aston Villa’s midfield under control.
In defence, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are unlikely to be risked from the start. Both players have struggled with injuries throughout the season and are likely to be protected for the Europa League final. As a result, Ben Davies and Kevin Danso are expected to form the central defensive partnership ahead of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Pedro Porro will retain his place at right-back, while Djed Spence is set to start on the left in place of the out-of-favour Destiny Udogie.
Tottenham are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on maintaining defensive solidity while trying to exploit the pace of Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson in transition.
In goal, Guglielmo Vicario will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, tasked with organising a makeshift backline that includes Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, and Djed Spence. The midfield trio of Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr will provide a mix of youth and experience, with Gray likely to play a deeper role to facilitate Spurs’ build-up play.
In attack, Son Heung-min’s ability to run in behind and create scoring opportunities will be vital, while Brennan Johnson’s direct running and Richarlison’s aerial threat will be central to Tottenham’s offensive strategy.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Gray, Bissouma, Matar Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Son
Aston Villa have won three of their last five Premier League matches against Tottenham, a notable improvement considering they managed just two victories in their previous 21 meetings with Spurs. However, Villa have lost the last two encounters against Tottenham.
Only against Manchester City (12) have Tottenham secured more Premier League away victories than they have against Aston Villa (11). Spurs have been particularly dominant at Villa Park, winning eight of their last nine visits.
Aston Villa have suffered heavy defeats in their last two Premier League meetings with Tottenham, conceding four goals in each game (4-0 and 4-1). Historically, Villa have only conceded 4+ goals in three consecutive league games against a single opponent twice before, against Everton in 1891 and Blackburn Rovers between 1935 and 1936.
Aston Villa are currently unbeaten in their last 20 home matches across all competitions (W14 D6). This is their longest unbeaten run at Villa Park since a 24-match streak that spanned from September 1976 to May 1977.
Tottenham have concluded their final away league game of the season with a victory in each of the past four Premier League campaigns, averaging four goals per game in these fixtures.
Richarlison’s season at Tottenham Hotspur has been anything but smooth, with the Brazilian forward struggling to find form amidst a series of injuries and inconsistent performances. Linked with a potential summer exit, the former Everton star faces mounting pressure to deliver as speculation grows about his future at the club.
In a campaign where Spurs have endured their worst Premier League season to date, Richarlison has been a shadow of the player who commanded a significant transfer fee just last year. Persistent injury setbacks have limited his game time and prevented him from establishing any real momentum in the frontline. With James Maddison sidelined and Dejan Kulusevski also unavailable, the onus now falls on Richarlison to step up and lead the attack alongside Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson.
For a player with a reputation for aggression and clinical finishing, this game against Aston Villa offers a prime opportunity to prove his worth to manager Ange Postecoglou and the Spurs faithful. Not only will he aim to end his recent barren spell in front of goal, but he will also be keen to remind the club of his value as transfer rumours continue to swirl.
With Tottenham’s season effectively in disarray and a Europa League final on the horizon, Richarlison’s performance against Villa could either rekindle faith in his abilities or further fuel talk of a potential departure. This is a crucial juncture for the 28-year-old as he seeks to make a decisive impact in what has been a largely forgettable season for both player and club.
Aston Villa’s remarkable home record and disciplined defensive structure under Unai Emery give them the upper hand against a Tottenham side in complete disarray. With Champions League qualification still within reach, Villa are likely to approach this match with intensity and focus, aiming to capitalise on Spurs’ lack of confidence and porous defence. Expect Ollie Watkins and John McGinn to play pivotal roles as Villa secure a crucial three points at Villa Park.
