Tottenham Hotspur find themselves at a crossroads as they prepare to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
Having already endured the disappointment of being knocked out of the EFL Cup, another early exit from a domestic competition would only compound their frustrations. Standing in their way is a well-rested Aston Villa side that has enjoyed a full week to recover from their recent league setback.
The manner of Tottenham’s midweek defeat at Anfield has raised concerns about their ability to bounce back quickly. Despite carrying a narrow advantage from the first leg, they were thoroughly outclassed by Liverpool, who ruthlessly put four goals past them. That crushing loss not only ended their pursuit of silverware in that competition but also exposed some of the frailties that have hampered them this season.
Their recent victory over Brentford in the Premier League did provide some relief, snapping a worrying sequence of poor results. However, the team remains stuck in the middle of the table, closer to the lower end than the coveted European spots. While the FA Cup presents a valuable opportunity for redemption, their struggle to dispatch non-league Tamworth in the previous round has done little to inspire confidence.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, had to dig deep in their own third-round tie but ultimately found a way past West Ham. That result briefly halted their inconsistent form, which has seen them register just a handful of wins in recent weeks. While their Champions League aspirations remain intact following a crucial victory over Celtic, their domestic performances have been less convincing.
One recurring issue for Villa has been their inability to maintain momentum after European fixtures. That trend continued in their last outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where they were comfortably beaten in a local derby. Despite that setback, they return to Villa Park in search of a response, having built an impressive unbeaten run at home across multiple competitions.
The recent head-to-head record between these two sides adds another layer of intrigue. While Tottenham dominated meetings earlier in the decade, Villa turned the tide in 2023, winning all three of their encounters. However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, particularly given how freely they have conceded goals to this weekend’s opponents in past encounters.
Injury concerns also play a significant role in shaping expectations for this clash. Tottenham’s squad has been ravaged by fitness issues, with several key players sidelined. The loss of Richarlison in midweek only adds to their growing list of absentees, leaving them with limited attacking options. Given the circumstances, new arrival Mathys Tel could be handed a first start as part of a reshuffled lineup.
Villa, too, have their own selection dilemmas, though they might still be in a stronger position than their opponents. A debut for Marcus Rashford remains uncertain, with the forward likely to be eased into action following his recent arrival. Marco Asensio could also make his first appearance, adding an extra creative spark, though other new signings will have to wait for their opportunities.
Both teams have plenty to prove, but the balance of power seems to tilt in Villa’s favor. With home advantage, fresher legs, and a more settled squad, they have every reason to believe they can progress to the next round. Tottenham, meanwhile, will need a performance of real character to overcome their current struggles and avoid another bitter disappointment.
Given the circumstances, this has all the makings of a compelling FA Cup tie. While Spurs are capable of making things difficult, Villa’s superior form at home and Tottenham’s growing fatigue could prove decisive. A hard-fought contest is expected, but the hosts may just have the edge when all is said and done.
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