Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson recently shared his score prediction for Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Following a disappointing midweek Carabao Cup exit to Crystal Palace, Villa, led by manager Unai Emery, will shift their focus back to the league, where they’ve been performing impressively. Emery’s top players, including Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa, and Morgan Rogers, are expected to return to the starting lineup for the Sunday match against Spurs.
Aston Villa currently sits fourth in the Premier League, boasting five wins from their opening nine games, while Tottenham trails in eighth place, five points behind Villa. Merson highlighted that this match could be crucial for both teams’ ambitions to secure a top-four finish.
Reflecting on Villa’s recent Cup loss, Merson expressed disappointment in Emery’s squad rotation choices, believing Villa should have pursued a Cup win.
Despite this setback, Merson remains optimistic about Villa’s league chances, stating, “Villa’s high line could face challenges against Spurs, but I can’t see them not scoring. This game is a chance for Villa to put a significant gap between them and Tottenham, and if they succeed, it may end Spurs’ Champions League hopes for the season.”
Merson strangely predicted a 2-1 victory for Tottenham in his Sportskeeda column despite his belief that Villa would win. His comments underscore the potential impact of this fixture, as Villa could open up an eight-point lead over Spurs with a win, posing a significant obstacle to Tottenham’s top-four hopes.
In squad news, Villa is in a strong position, with a full lineup available. Jaden Philogene, who missed a recent league match due to a red card, returned midweek but struggled to make an impact against Crystal Palace.
Emery opted to rest most regular starters, including Watkins and Konsa, allowing other players like Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara valuable game time. Both were solid, but their chances of starting against Tottenham remain uncertain, with Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans likely to reclaim their starting roles.
After the midweek loss, Leon Bailey’s form has also come under scrutiny. Once a top performer, Bailey’s recent displays have not met last season’s high standards, causing frustration among fans.
Journalist Dan Bardell noted on the 1874 podcast that Jaden Philogene, who impressed while at Hull City, currently “doesn’t look quite right” and appears to be lacking confidence. Villa expert Jacob Tanswell added that Philogene, while skillful, needs to showcase more consistent flair to secure his place.
With the Champions League group stage in full swing, Emery’s rotation strategy will be critical in managing Villa’s dual commitments. As they prepare to face Club Brugge next week, Sunday’s encounter with Tottenham presents an opportunity to fortify their league position and maintain momentum.