Inconsistency, meet inconsistency. Despite erratic results, a big name all-Premier League clash in the FA Cup between two sides desperate for progress and trophies means Sunday’s game should be a hell-for-leather classic.
By Karl Matchett
Villa need a return, Spurs need a response
Aston Villa don’t really have the label of inconsistency in the way Tottenham Hotspur do, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t deserve it. Yes, they’re ten points above their cup rivals in league terms, but they also haven’t had their disastrous injury issues – and clearly have a bigger pull than them in the transfer market right now too, as was shown by the January face-offs they engaged in.
Axel Disasi opted for the Midlands over north London, while Marcus Rashford heading to Villa Park would not have been considered remotely probable even a couple of years ago. And he’s far from the only attacking reinforcement, with Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen joining last month too – though it remains to be seen how pleased the latter is after immediately being left out of the Champions League squad. How much can Villa get out of their new recruits in four months? It will be telling.
Just as telling will be Spurs’ response after they were hammered in the press for being hammered at Anfield. It’s not so much losing to Liverpool as the manner of their semi-final capitulation which irked some, and the long stretch without a trophy goes on a little longer. Can the FA Cup be their salvation? Not if they don’t find a way to get their own new forward Mathys Tel firing quickly – or perhaps get some of their injured defenders back on the pitch.
Matching form records
Home side: Eight wins in 23. Away side: Eight wins in 23. As above, Villa don’t have the same inconsistent tag, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve it. Villa’s winning runs tend to be more streaky, while Spurs earn scattered victories. Of late, Villa have won one and drawn two in their last five; Spurs have won three, lost two.
Team news
There’s injuries on both sides, with Spurs’ casualty list the longer. Disasi is cup tied, while starters Pau Torres, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins are out, as well as Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley for Villa. Spurs are without (deep breath): Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Radu Drăgușin, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and, presumably once again, Richarlison. Assuming they get a squad together, Micky van de Ven will be carefully assessed before playing a part to ensure he doesn’t rejoin the absentees.
Key player
As shown midweek, gaps in Spurs’ midfield and a slowness to react to dangerous situations will be costly. Villa have Morgan Rogers who is excellent at manipulating the ball and using space well. He averages two dribbles, 1.75 shots, nearly 1.5 chances created and 1.5 fouls won every 90 minutes in the league – he’s such an all-round handful.
Prediction
Spurs have a great record at Villa of late but those injuries are just too much: Villa 2 Spurs 1.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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