Tottenham's Premier League trip to Aston Villa this evening has huge significance for the club both on and off the pitch.
Having had their attitude lambasted by manager Jose Mourinho after surrendering a 2-0 first-leg lead to crash out of the Europa League to Dinamo Zagreb, there will be as much focus on the players' behaviour as there is on the performance itself.
A top-four finish is likely beyond Spurs, but victory at Villa Park will move them just three points behind Chelsea. A show of unity, which a victory will bring, is needed, especially with a League Cup final still to come. Spurs’ season isn’t over, but a defeat will make it feel like it is.
Date, time and venue
Aston Villa vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 7.30pm GMT kick-off today, March 21, 2021.
The match will be held behind closed doors at Villa Park.
How to watch
TV channel: Today’s match will be televised on Sky Sports.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch the match online via the website or Sky Go app.
Team news and lineups
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Sanson, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Traore, Watkins, Trezeguet
Subs: Heaton, Taylor, Nakamba, Barkley, El Ghazi, Engels, Elmohamady, Davis, Ramsey
Tottenham XI: Lloris, Tanganga, Rodon, Sanchez, Reguilon, Lucas Moura, Hojbjerg, Ndombele, Lo Celso, Vinicius, Kane
Subs: Bale, Hart, Dier, Sissoko, Alli, Bergwijn, Davies, Scarlett, Devine
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham
Spurs will surely have a reaction to Thursday’s defeat, especially with captain Hugo Lloris taking the remarkable step to seemingly call out certain squad members.
Villa may have Jack Grealish back, but in what form having not trained is anyone’s guess. Villa look half as good without him and Spurs, if they get their act together, have enough to get a much-needed win.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
- Aston Villa wins: 56
- Draws: 36
- Tottenham wins: 74
Betting odds and tips (subject to change)
- Aston Villa: 11/5
- Draw: Between 12/5 and 5/2
- Tottenham: 6/4
- Harry Kane to score first: 4/1
