Thomas Frank is under a lot of pressure to get a positive result for Tottenham as they welcome fellow Premier League side Aston Villa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening. Indeed, the Spurs boss drew controversy from being pictured with an Arsenal-branded cup before their 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium last time out, although he has since insisted that it was an innocent mistake.
Meanwhile, Villa dropped two points in the title race as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace. However, Unai Emery's side are still having a very strong season, and it would not be a surprise to see them emerge victorious here.
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Tottenham vs Aston Villa prediction: Spurs misery to continue?
Key stats
- Tottenham are now on a three-game winless run.
- Villa have won 12 of their last 14 matches in all competitions.
- Villa beat Tottenham 2-1 at Villa Park in the FA Cup last season.
Correct score prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa
On current form and with huge pressure on the home side, Villa should be confident of victory on their travels and progression into the next round. They have also won the previous three H2Hs, which should give them an extra vote of confidence.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Spurs slight favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 6/4 (2.50) – 40.0%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 17/10 (2.70) – 37.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Tottenham have been installed as the slight favourites with bookmakers to win on home soil and progress into the next round. However, the percentages show that it is generally a tough one to call.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page for more of our expert FA Cup predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Villa on top
As mentioned before, Villa have won the last three meetings between the two sides in all competitions. Interestingly, one of those H2Hs was also in the FA Cup, where the Villans emerged victorious.
England Premier League 19/10/25
Tottenham
Aston Villa
England Premier League 16/05/25
Aston Villa
Tottenham
England FA Cup 09/02/25
Aston Villa
Tottenham
England Premier League 03/11/24
Tottenham
Aston Villa
England Premier League 10/03/24
Aston Villa
Tottenham
Tottenham preview: More injury problems
After the news that Mohammed Kudus is expected to be missing until April with injury, Tottenham are also sweating on the fitness of both Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall after they also came off injured against Bournemouth. We are expecting Frank to make plenty of changes.
Predicted lineup: Kinsky (GK); Spence, Danso, Dragusin, Davies; Palhinha, Gray; Tel, Simons, Odobert & Richarlison
Last five results:
- Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham
- Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland
- Brentford 0-0 Tottenham
- Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham
- Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool
Aston Villa preview: Rotation expected?
Like Tottenham, Villa will also be expected to rotate for this one ahead of the busy January schedule. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins could be among the players on the bench.
Predicted lineup: Bizot (GK); Bogarde, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Tielemans, Kamara, McGinn; Sancho, Buendia & Malen
Last five results:
- Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
- Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
Player to watch: Donyell Malen
Being an ex-Arsenal man, Donyell Malen has extra motivation to impress against Tottenham. The forward should be given a chance to impress from the start.