Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are set to lock horns at Villa Park this Sunday evening in a Premier League showdown that carries massive weight for both clubs. With the season entering its crucial phase, every point matters—and this match could shape the destiny of two very different campaigns.
For the hosts, the objective is clear: secure a top-five finish and book a ticket to next season's Champions League. Unai Emery's men have been formidable on home soil, winning 11 of their 17 league matches at Villa Park this term. However, they stumbled midweek with a narrow 1–0 loss to Nottingham Forest in European action, and their recent form has been patchy—just two wins in their last seven Premier League outings. That's a stark contrast to their previous 24 matches, where they suffered only as many defeats. Still, Villa are chasing a third consecutive home league win for the first time since January, and the energy at Villa Park could be the spark they need.
On the other side, Tottenham arrive in desperate need of points to climb out of the relegation zone. Roberto De Zerbi's side currently sit 18th in the table, two points adrift of safety. Their season has been a grind, but there was a glimmer of hope last weekend when they ended a painful 15-match winless run with a 1–0 victory over Wolves—De Zerbi's first win of 2026. Interestingly, Spurs have collected 23 of their 34 points on the road this season, suggesting they might feel more comfortable away from home. But with survival on the line, this trip to Birmingham is a massive test of character.
The last meeting between these two sides came in the FA Cup back in January, with Villa edging a 2–1 win at Tottenham. That result will still sting for Spurs, but revenge is secondary to the bigger picture here.
Team News
Aston Villa have been dealt a blow with the confirmation that midfielder Amadou Onana will miss the match after picking up an injury in the midweek European clash. Manager Unai Emery revealed that Onana will undergo a scan to determine the extent of the issue. Boubacar Kamara also remains sidelined with a long-term problem. On a brighter note, Ross Barkley and Alysson are available for selection after missing Thursday's game, giving Emery some welcome options in midfield.
Tottenham's injury list is far more concerning. Roberto De Zerbi faces a significant selection crisis, with several key players ruled out. Striker Dominic Solanke is unavailable after sustaining a hamstring injury at Molineux, while creative spark Xavi Simons is sidelined with a devastating ACL tear. The absence list also includes Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, and Mohammed Kudus—all major losses for a side fighting for survival. However, there is a ray of hope: Destiny Udogie is expected to return to the matchday squad, providing some much-needed defensive reinforcement.
With both teams desperate for points—Villa chasing European glory and Spurs battling the drop—this Sunday evening clash promises drama, intensity, and no shortage of passion. Whether you're backing the Lions or the Lilywhites, one thing is certain: this is a fixture you won't want to miss.