Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have predicted whether or not Tottenham Hotspur will defeat Aston Villa. The Lilywhites will host the Villans on Sunday afternoon (2pm) as both attempt to climb the Premier League table.
Spurs head into the clash off the back of a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup last-16, while Villa crashed out of the competition after losing 2-1 to Crystal Palace. While the north Londoners may have a skip in their step, Unai Emery’s side will be determined to return to winning ways.
In his latest column for Sportskeeda, Merson has backed the Villans to do just that. The Arsenal legend said: “I thought it was a really bad result for Aston Villa when they lost to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
“I know they play in the Champions League and compete well in the Premier League, but they should also be looking to win the cup. That exit would have definitely been disappointing for Villa – but I’m still going to back them to beat Tottenham.
“Villa’s high line could face problems against Spurs, but I can’t see them not scoring in this game. It’s going to be a big blow for Tottenham in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League if they lose this game.
“Villa can open up an eight-point gap over Spurs if they win and that may well be curtains for the north Londoners’ hopes about finishing fourth. I just think Villa have a bit more in them than Tottenham and fully expect them to win here. Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Aston Villa.”
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Speaking to BBC Sport, meanwhile, Sutton has tipped Tottenham to snatch a point against Villa despite concerns that Son Heung-min may not be available. The former Chelsea striker said: “The away team won on both occasions when these two sides met last season, and you could make a case for Tottenham or Aston Villa coming out on top here.
“I do like the way Spurs play, but they could do with having Son Heung-min fit – as he has missed three of the past four league games – and they have a few other injuries too. Whoever is missing, though, Ange Postecoglou will not change his bullish approach.
“I admire that, and I find it amazing the way people view Spurs at the moment. They have won eight of the past 10 games in all competitions, which is pretty good I think – but there is always this underlying ‘Spursy’ or ‘typical Spurs’ label they get given whenever they slip up.
“That could happen here, of course. Spurs will dominate the ball this time, too, but I have got no doubt that Villa will score, because they carry such a threat and their front players will definitely have their moments in this game.
“So, there will definitely be plenty of goals… but maybe there won’t be a winner this time. Tottenham have not had a draw since the first game of the season. I think they will get one here.”
