By Karl Matchett
Villa want a return, Spurs want a response
Aston Villa don’t actually have the label of inconsistency in the way in which Tottenham Hotspur do, however that doesn’t essentially imply they don’t deserve it. Sure, they’re ten factors above their cup rivals in league phrases, however in addition they haven’t had their disastrous harm points – and clearly have an even bigger pull than them within the switch market proper now too, as was proven by the January face-offs they engaged in.
Axel Disasi opted for the Midlands over north London, whereas Marcus Rashford heading to Villa Park wouldn’t have been thought-about remotely possible even a few years in the past. And he’s removed from the one attacking reinforcement, with Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen becoming a member of final month too – although it stays to be seen how happy the latter is after instantly being overlooked of the Champions League squad. How a lot can Villa get out of their new recruits in 4 months? It is going to be telling.
Simply as telling can be Spurs’ response after they had been hammered within the press for being hammered at Anfield. It’s not a lot dropping to Liverpool as the way of their semi-final capitulation which irked some, and the lengthy stretch with no trophy goes on a bit longer. Can the FA Cup be their salvation? Not in the event that they don’t discover a strategy to get their very own new ahead Mathys Tel firing shortly – or maybe get a few of their injured defenders again on the pitch.
Matching type data
Dwelling aspect: Eight wins in 23. Away aspect: Eight wins in 23. As above, Villa don’t have the identical inconsistent tag, however that doesn’t imply they don’t deserve it. Villa’s successful runs are usually extra streaky, whereas Spurs earn scattered victories. Of late, Villa have gained one and drawn two of their final 5; Spurs have gained three, misplaced two.
Staff information
There’s accidents on each side, with Spurs’ casualty checklist the longer. Disasi is cup tied, whereas starters Pau Torres, Matty Money and Ollie Watkins are out, in addition to Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley for Villa. Spurs are with out (deep breath): Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Radu Drăgușin, Future Udogie, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and, presumably as soon as once more, Richarlison. Assuming they get a squad collectively, Micky van de Ven can be fastidiously assessed earlier than taking part in a component to make sure he doesn’t rejoin the absentees.
Key participant
As proven midweek, gaps in Spurs’ midfield and a slowness to react to harmful conditions can be expensive. Villa have Morgan Rogers who is great at manipulating the ball and utilizing house nicely. He averages two dribbles, 1.75 pictures, almost 1.5 probabilities created and 1.5 fouls gained each 90 minutes within the league – he’s such an all-round handful.
Prediction
Spurs have a terrific document at Villa of late however these accidents are simply an excessive amount of: Villa 2 Spurs 1.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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