Premier League 2022-23: Tottenham vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head

Spurs host The Villans on Sunday lunchtime in another challenge for both clubs.

Tottenham appeared to be feeling insecure as they were clumsy in previous games, as seen by their 2-2 draw against Brentford. Conte will need to restore faith in his players since they are only one point above fifth-place United. They have strived for narrow victories in recent matches, and if this pattern continues, Spurs will underperform.

Despite a superb performance, Aston Villa were defeated 3-1 by Liverpool at home. They certainly lack the end product, but they made life difficult for the Liverpool defensive line. The former Villarreal coach appears to have completed his task; all that remains is for his ideas to be well adopted on the field. 

Kick-off: 7:30 pm (IST), 2 pm (GMT)

Tottenham form (all competition):  W-L-L-W-D

Aston Villa form (all competition): L-W-L-W-L

Players to watch

Tottenham

Dejan Kulusevski

Except for the goals, Kulusevski is the difference maker in the game. As a creator and striker, he is extremely valuable to Tottenham from the left wing. His impact on the game boosts team spirit, and his presence always results in favourable results for the Spurs.

Aston Villa

Leon Bailey

The 25-year-old proved a problem for Liverpool, but if he had been clinical, Aston Villa would have won. It's difficult to stop Bailey once he has the ball, and when he picks up speed, you can either foul him or watch him score a goal; he's a vital member of the team and brings a great deal to the table.

Matches facts

• Tottenham have won seven of their last eight Premier League games on New year’s day, since a 1-0 loss to Southampton.
• Harry Kane is the only player to have scored the most goals on New Year’s day (5).
• Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery is unbeaten in all of his Premier League encounter with the Spurs, 4-2 win in 2018 followed by a 1-1 and 2-2 draw in 2019.

Injury and team news

Except for Richarlison and Lucas Moura, Conte's whole team will be present for the game. Despite the fact that Djed Spence has a fever, Rodrigo Bentancur returned to training after incurring a muscular ailment, while World Cup champion Christian Romero will resume despite being given more time off.

While Emery Martinez has returned from the World Cup victory, Diego Carlos is still suffering from a ruptured Achilles, while Jacob Ramsey is on the mend and will be ready next week.

Head-to-head

Matches: 170

Tottenham: 77

Draws: 36

Aston Villa: 57

Predicted lineup

Tottenham Starting lineup (3-4-3):

Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Doherty, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Perisic; Kulusevski, Kane, Son.

Aston Villa Starting lineup (4-4-2):

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Kamara, Buendia; Bailey, Watkins.

Prediction

Tottenham will need to turn around immediately, as lively Aston Villa will be eager to beat any opponent following their 3-1 setback to Liverpool. Aston Villa caused big issues, but if they hadn't missed any chances, they would have comfortably won the game; on the other hand, Tottenham came late to draw 2-2 with Brentford.This will be a close game with both teams desperate for a win, but Aston Villa appears to be more committed, and if the players follow Emery's system correctly, they have a chance to upset the Spurs. 

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa