Aston Villa vs Tottenham FA Cup Preview
- Villa to qualify
- Both teams to score
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur go head-to-head in a high-stakes FA Cup clash at Villa Park, with both teams looking to progress into the fifth round of the competition.
With Villa’s exceptional home form and Tottenham’s inconsistency, this encounter promises to be a thrilling battle between two ambitious Premier League sides.
Aston Villa: A Fortress at Home
Aston Villa enter this game in strong form, having secured two wins, two draws, and just one loss in their last five matches across all competitions.
Unai Emery’s men have demonstrated attacking intent, scoring 10 goals in their last five outings, including an impressive 4-2 win over Celtic.
Villa’s Home Dominance
Villa Park has been a fortress under Emery, with the team unbeaten in their last nine home matches across all competitions. Their 2-1 victory over West Ham in the previous FA Cup round reinforced their ability to deliver in knockout football.
Key Concerns
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Despite their attacking prowess, Villa have conceded seven goals in their last five games, which could be a concern against Spurs’ attack.
- Injury Woes: Pau Torres remains out, while Amadou Onana and Tyrone Mings face late fitness tests ahead of the match.
Key Player: Ollie Watkins
Villa’s top scorer and primary attacking threat, Watkins will look to exploit Tottenham’s defensive frailties and continue his excellent form at home.
Tottenham: Struggling for Consistency
Tottenham have been wildly inconsistent this season, winning just two of their last five games, while conceding nine goals in that span. Their last outing—a 3-0 win over IF Elfsborg—was a morale booster, but they remain a fragile unit under Ange Postecoglou.
Defensive Struggles
Spurs have leaked goals regularly, conceding nine in their last five matches, while managing to score only six. Their defensive setup has been exposed too often, making them vulnerable against Villa’s relentless attacking play.
FA Cup Woes
Tottenham barely made it past non-league Tamworth in the previous round, requiring extra time to secure a 3-0 win. That performance, along with their cup-heavy wins in 2025, highlights their lack of consistency.
Injury Worries
Spurs are dealing with several key absences, including:
- Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, and Dominic Solanke (ruled out).
- Timo Werner is racing against time to be fit.
- Wilson Odobert remains sidelined for an extended period.
Key Player: Son Heung-min
With Spurs struggling at the back, Son’s pace and finishing ability will be crucial in their counter-attacking play. He has been one of their few consistent performers this season.
Head-to-Head Record
While Tottenham have dominated recent meetings, scoring eight goals in the last two encounters, Aston Villa have won two of the last five.
Recent Meetings
- 03/11/24 – Tottenham 4-1 Aston Villa
- 10/03/24 – Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham
- 26/11/23 – Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa
- 13/05/23 – Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham
- 01/01/23 – Tottenham 0-2 Aston Villa
Tactical Insights
Aston Villa’s Approach
- High pressing to disrupt Spurs’ buildup play.
- Exploiting the wings through Ramsey and Bailey.
- Defensive solidity at home, using their fortress-like record at Villa Park.
Tottenham’s Strategy
- Quick transitions and counter-attacks through Son and Kulusevski.
- Looking to capitalize on set-pieces, with Bentancur’s delivery.
- Compact defensive setup to frustrate Villa’s attack.
Prediction and Final Thoughts
With Villa’s impressive home form and Spurs’ defensive instability, the hosts enter this clash as favourites. Tottenham’s attacking threat remains dangerous, but Villa’s consistency and resilience at home should see them through.
Predicted Scoreline: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Expect Villa to control the game, with Spurs looking for opportunities on the counter. However, home advantage and recent form should see Unai Emery’s side progress to the next round.
Conclusion
This FA Cup clash promises high-intensity football, with both teams desperate to advance. While Tottenham have had the upper hand in recent meetings, Villa’s strong home form makes them favourites to edge this encounter. Expect a thrilling cup tie at Villa Park!
For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Fixtures – Emirates FA Cup – Competitions | The Football Association