Tottenham vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Spurs suffer third straight defeat

Tottenham slipped to a third successive Premier League defeat as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa in an absorbing clash full of chances.

Villa’s first win on the road in just over two months took them above Tottenham into fourth place in the table but it did not look likely early on.

The hosts were given a deserved lead by Giovani Lo Celso’s deflected shot in the 22nd minute and could have been comfortably ahead before Pau Torres levelled with a thumping header deep in first-half stoppage time.

Chances continued to flow both ways after the break but it was Villa who went ahead with a fine finish by Ollie Watkins just past the hour mark after being set up by Youri Tielemans.

Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez made two great saves, Ben Davies headed a golden chance over the bar and Pedro Porro hit the post for the luckless hosts who also suffered another injury blow as Rodrigo Bentancur limped off in the first half.

Follow all the action below plus get the latest odds and tips for the match right here:

Premier League: Tottenham v Aston Villa

• FT: Villa leapfrog Spurs into fourth place as hosts suffer third defeat in a row

• GOAL! Watkins finishes clinically to put Villa ahead (TOT 1-2 AST)

• GOAL! Torres equalises for visitors on stroke of half-time (TOT 1-1 AST)

• Rodrigo Bentancur injured in first Tottenham start in nine months after Matty Cash tackle

• GOAL! Lo Celso opens scoring for Spurs with deflected strike (TOT 1-0 AST)

• Both sides wearing black armbands in honour of former England and Spurs manager Terry Venables who died earlier aged 80

Tottenham Hotspur FC 1 - 2 Aston Villa FC

FULL-TIME: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

17:05 , Ben Fleming

As the certainty of Tottenham’s top-four hopes slip from view, Aston Villa’s have never appeared stronger as Unai Emery’s side leapfrogged the hosts in north London. That was the result of a wonderfully open and often chaotic encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Villa rode their luck and just about managed to cling on their high-wire tightrope to emerge with this statement win, yet one that for long stretches looked to be beyond them.

Tottenham will struggle to come to terms with this but defeat leaves Ange Postecoglou’s side with a third Premier League loss in a row and looking very much like a team in the midst of a major injury crisis. But while the makeshift centre-back partnership of Emerson Royal and Ben Davies were exposed by Ollie Watkins, who fired Villa to a ninth win of the season and to within two points off leaders Arsenal, it was Tottenham’s forwards and host of missed chances that proved just as decisive to the outcome.

Report by Jamie Braidwod at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham and Aston Villa’s clash of high lines reveals a new top-four contender

FULL-TIME: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:28 , Ben Fleming

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham manager, speaking to BBC Sport: “I’m disappointed for the fans and the players because their play was outstanding today. The football we played was as good as it’s been all season.

“All you can ask for is that the guys give their all so there’s no frustration, just disappointment that they didn’t get what they deserved.”

On Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury: “I’m disappointed for him because I don’t think it was a great tackle. That’s what we’re going through at the moment but if we keep playing like that we’ll get through it.”

FULL-TIME: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:25 , Ben Fleming

Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa striker, speaking to BBC Sport after the game: “We didn’t have the best of starts and we were lucky to come in at 1-1. That goal right before half-time was a massive boost for us and it was crucial.

“I don’t think there’s been a game where we haven’t created chances. We have a big belief in ourselves. We had plenty of opportunities to score and we came away with the three points, which is massive for us.

“The games are coming thick and fast now but when you’re on a good run, like we are, that’s what you want. I think all the lads are looking forward to it.”

Coming up next

16:19 , Ben Fleming

We’ll have more match reaction and a full match report to come but the focus shifts now to Merseyside where Everton take on Manchester United.

Kick-off is just over ten minutes away and you can follow all the match action by clicking the link below:

Everton vs Manchester United LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

FULL-TIME: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:16 , Ben Fleming

A well-deserved win for the visitors:

FULL-TIME: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:12 , Ben Fleming

And here’s the winning goal - Watkins’s seventh off the season - which saw Villa claim all three points in north London:

FULL-TIME: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:06 , Ben Fleming

A huge result for Villa! The full-time whistle goes and it’s all three points for the visitors as Watkins’ second-half strike secures a comeback victory for Unai Emery’s side who leapfrog Spurs into fourth place.

That’s now three defeats in a row for Spurs who also had to deal with another injury in the form of Bentancur. After such a promising start to the season, there are problems to be solved now for Postecoglou.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:04 , Ben Fleming

90+5 mins: Another set piece comes and goes for Spurs as Son just can’t connect with the ball at the back post. It’s just not been his day.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:02 , Ben Fleming

90+3 mins: Torres is clumsy into a tackle on Veliz and Spurs have another free-kick in an almost identical position to a few moments ago. It’s a better delivery from Porro but Carlos is strong in the air and clears it away.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

16:00 , Ben Fleming

90+1 mins: The cross is overhit by Porro and safely dealt with by the Villa defence. There will be six added minutes to end this encounter as Villa make a double change - McGinn and Watkins make way with Duran and Ramsey coming on.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:59 , Ben Fleming

89 mins: Luiz brings down Kulusevski in a good position for Spurs just outside the penalty area on the right side. Porro stands over it...

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:55 , Ben Fleming

85 mins: DISALLOWED! A hat-trick of offside goals for Son now. Porro’s effort cannons back off the post and the rebound is slammed home by the Spurs captain but he’s a fraction offside once again and the goal is ruled out.

Lo Celso makes way for Veliz shortly after as Spurs continue their hunt for an equaliser.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:51 , Ben Fleming

82 mins: A bit of tiredness looks to be setting into the Spurs players as Watkins has a superb opportunity at the back post. He’s a matter of yards out by Davies does just enough to put the striker off as he heads inches wide of the post.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:48 , Ben Fleming

79 mins: Johnson fires a low ball across the box but Carlos is well-positioned and clears the threat. Spurs starting to run out of ideas against this stoic Villa defence.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:43 , Ben Fleming

73 mins: Huge double save! Martinez at his best to deny two golden opportunities for Spurs. Johnson does superbly to control Son’s past and poke an effort at goal which Martinez initially stops before the Argentine flies to his right to prevent Hojbjerg‘s follow-up effort from long distance.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:40 , Ben Fleming

71 mins: The second change for Spurs as Gil makes way for Skipp. Perhaps that might see Lo Celso deployed a bit further forward.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:40 , Ben Fleming

70 mins: Digne lines up a good free-kick opportunity and it needs saving from Vicario who flies across to push it out for a corner.

A big opportunity from the set piece as Watkins’ deft header at the near post just drifts wide of the far post.

Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

15:37 , Ben Fleming

68 mins: Martinez scrambles across the turf to tip wide Johnson’s bobbling effort before Davies heads just over the bar from corner. The Welsh defender was only a few yards from goal but couldn’t keep the effort down.

GOAL! Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa (Watkins, 61 mins)

15:30 , Ben Fleming

Another goal for the Englishman! Villa come from behind to lead in this encounter and it’s Watkins with the goal. It’s a nice give-and-go with Tielemans before a lovely touch and finish, low into the bottom-left corner.

A bitter pill to swallow for Spurs after another strong start to this half but they’ve got around half an hour to find a way back into this encounter.

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:30 , Ben Fleming

60 mins: Vicario charges off his line to head the ball clear. McGinn gathers the loose ball but fires wide as he tries an audacious long-range effort.

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:28 , Ben Fleming

59 mins: Son, not for the first time this afternoon, sees the flag go up after he scores. He slides home from Johnson’s pass but his teammate is in an offside position so the goal won’t stand.

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:24 , Ben Fleming

54 mins: Almost a superb counter-attacking goal from Spurs! Kulusevski makes the burst forward down the left before a neat one-two with Son allows him to fire a first-time ball across the box. Johnson is lingering at the back post but just can’t turn the cross home at full-stretch.

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:21 , Ben Fleming

52 mins: CLOSE! Spurs pour numbers forward in attack but Villa turn over possession and can counter. Bailey has room for the left-footed shot but it’s tipped onto the post by Vicario who is able to claim the loose ball.

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:20 , Ben Fleming

51 mins: Another well-worked move down the right from Spurs but Gil is unable to fashion a shooting opportunity as the ball is fizzed across the box in his direction.

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:18 , Ben Fleming

49 mins: Porro’s delivery is an enticing one but Martinez does well to punch it clear. The loose balls falls to Lo Celso but this time his strike is deflected wide and out for a corner.

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:17 , Ben Fleming

48 mins: Spurs start the second half on the front foot again as Porro wins a foul for his side in a promising position just outside the right edge of the box.

KICK-OFF! Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:14 , Ben Fleming

A big 45 minutes for both sides but before we start, Villa make a double change. Cash - on that yellow card after the challenge on Bentancur - is replaced by Tielemans, while Bailey comes on for Diaby.

With those sorted, Spurs get us started in the second half.

HALF-TIME: Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:07 , Ben Fleming

Finely poised at the break:

Rodrigo Bentancur injured in first Tottenham start in nine months after Matty Cash tackle

15:05 , Ben Fleming

Rodrigo Bentancur was forced off following a poorly timed tackle from Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, in a fresh blow to Tottenham’s mounting injury concerns.

The Uruguayan sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage in February and was making his first start for Tottenham for nine months when he had to leave the field after just half an hour.

Cash caught Bentancur on the ankle with a miss-judged sliding challenge, creating a new problem for Tottenham to contend with amid an ongoing injury crisis.

More bad news for Tottenham:

Rodrigo Bentancur injured by Matty Cash in first Tottenham start in nine months

HALF-TIME: Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

15:03 , Ben Fleming

Let’s take a quick look at the two first-half goals.

Lo Celso opened the scoring with a sweet hit from a corner:

But Villa pegged the home sides back when Torres headed home in the dying moments of the first half:

HALF-TIME: Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa

14:58 , Ben Fleming

A frantic first half comes to a close with the scores level and it’s not been without its drama. Spurs flew out of the blocks, squandering a number of chances before they eventually led through Lo Celso’s deflected strike.

Villa thought they had hit back immediately but Watkins’ goal was ruled out. Bentancur - starting his first league game in nine months - went off injured after a challenge from Cash before Villa did eventually get their equaliser on the stroke of half-time when Torres headed home from a free-kick.

More of the same after the break, please!

Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa (Torres, 45+6 mins)

14:55 , Ben Fleming

Villa equalise on the stroke of half-time! An inch-perfect delivery from deep by Luiz lands on the head of Torres and the centre-back thunders his header past Vicario to level this game up.

He missed a chance earlier in the half but he makes no mistake this time around. There’s a VAR check but the goal will stand.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:53 , Ben Fleming

45+4 mins: A poor pass from Porro on the edge of his box gifts the ball to Villa in a promising position. Diaby receives the ball in the box but a swarm of Spurs players crowd him out as Emerson eventually clears it away.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:49 , Ben Fleming

45 mins: Six minutes of stoppage time in this first half as Porro hits the deck after a challenge from Kamara. Villa play on and almost carve out a chance from Diaby’s low ball into the box but the effort is miscued and flies harmlessly out for a goal-kick.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:47 , Ben Fleming

44 mins: OFFSIDE! Son bears down on goal and finishes clinically past Martinez but the offside flag is up straight away and the finish won’t stand.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:45 , Ben Fleming

40 mins: McGinn enters the book for dissent after Cash’s late challenge on Udogie. The Villa defender is already in the book and is being booed every time he gets on the ball after his earlier challenge that led to Bentancur’s injury.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:42 , Ben Fleming

39 mins: Spurs are getting plenty of joy down their right side as Johnson surges clear on this occasion. His cut-back finds Gil but the Spaniard gets too cute with it, opting against a shot and trying to find Kulusevski with an intricate pass which is cut out.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:38 , Ben Fleming

35 mins: So close to a second for Spurs as Kulusevski is invited inside onto his left foot. The curling effort has the beating of Martinez but just drifts wide of the post.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:36 , Ben Fleming

32 mins: A real shame. Bentancur tried to play on after that challenge from Cash but he’s not able to. The midfielder has been out for so long with a knee injury but his first Spurs start since his return ends shortly after the half-hour mark as he’s forced to make way.

Hojbjerg comes on in his place.

Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:31 , Ben Fleming

28 mins: A reckless challenge from Cash on Bentancur earns him a yellow card. The Uruguayan midfielder looked in some pain but he’s back on his feet and looks okay to continue.

DISALLOWED! Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa

14:30 , Ben Fleming

27 mins: A huge sigh of relief for Spurs fans as the goal is ruled out for offside. Tight margins but it looks like the right decision.

The home side remain 1-0 up but that’s a huge let-off.

GOAL! Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa (Watkins, 24 mins)

14:27 , Ben Fleming

Aston Villa hit back straight away! An immediate response from the away side as Watkins drifted in between the two centre-backs to slot home from Digne’s inch-perfect cross.

There’s a VAR check for offside, however...

GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Aston Villa (Lo Celso, 22 mins)

14:25 , Ben Fleming

What a strike from the Argentine!

A deserved opener for Tottenham an the pressure finally tells. A corner comes out to Lo Celso on the edge of the box and it’s a sweet strike from the midfielder which takes a slight deflection off Carlos and flies into the back of the net past Martinez.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:24 , Ben Fleming

20 mins: Gil has started really brightly in his first Premier League start this season. An enticing cross in from the left from the Spaniard just evades Son in the middle as Villa clear it away for a corner.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:21 , Ben Fleming

18 mins: Villa are at sixes and sevens at the minute and can’t deal with this Spurs press. But the home side have to make one of these chances count sooner rather than later as Porro’s low cross into the box - looking for the unmarked Son - is cleared away by the Villa defence.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:18 , Ben Fleming

15 mins: This unrelenting start from Spurs shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. More neat interplay between their forwards sees Kulusevski charge through on goal, this time. The Swede’s effort is denied by the onrushing Martinez but - like Son’s earlier effort - wouldn’t have counted as the flag goes up.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:16 , Ben Fleming

13 mins: A huge chance for Son as Johnson cuts the ball across to him unmarked on the six-yard box. The Spurs captain gets it all wrong and fires high over the bar but his blushes are saved as the offside flag goes up.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:15 , Ben Fleming

11 mins: There’s some potential early concern for Emerson who appeared to signal to the Spurs bench that there was an issue. Dier has been sent to warm up but they continue for now.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:10 , Ben Fleming

7 mins: Chances galore in these early stages as Gil is found by a cute backheel from Kulusevski. It’s a tight angle from the Spaniard but he forces a good save from Martinez as the follow-up header goes over.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:09 , Ben Fleming

5 mins: And now a big chance for Villa! From a free-kick, Pau Torres is afforded far too much space but can only guide his free header wide of the post from little more than six yards out.

A frenetic start to this encounter.

Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:07 , Ben Fleming

3 mins: Two huge chances early for Spurs - how are they not ahead? Initially, it’s Udogie who gets in behind the high line of Villa to receive Porro’s ball from deep but he blazes over the bar.

But then, moments later, Kulusevski gets in a great position - cutting inside of his marker - but rattles the inside of the post from close range. He has to do better there.

KICK-OFF! Tottenham 0-0 Aston Villa

14:03 , Ben Fleming

The tributes to Venables are touching one as applause rings around the ground. With that done, though, it’s time for this game to get underway as Aston Villa kick us off.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

13:58 , Ben Fleming

Out come the teams now. A reminder that we’ll have a minute’s silence before kick-off in memory of former England and Spurs manager Terry Venables who died earlier today aged 80.

Kick-off coming up

13:51 , Ben Fleming

We’ve got just under ten minutes to go and the atmosphere is building nicely in north London. It’s a huge opportunity for both sides to secure a statement win and it’s coming up very shortly...

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

13:45 , Ben Fleming

Son Heung-min has scored five goals in six Premier League appearances against Aston Villa. However, all of those strikes have come at Villa Park – only Michael Owen has scored more against an opponent without netting one at home (6 vs West Bromwich Albion).

The South Korean has eight in 12 league games so far this season. Can he find his first at home against Villa today to add to that tally?

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

13:40 , Ben Fleming

Just to put into perspective what a great run of form Aston Villa have been on, since the end of this season’s first international break (16th September onwards), Villa have won more games (6) and picked up more points (19) than any other side in the division.

They’ll be hoping to keep that run going today.

Villa looking for three on the trot

13:35 , Ben Fleming

Aston Villa did the double over Spurs last season, with an impressive 2-0 away win in January before a 2-1 home win in May.

Can they make it three on the bounce and move into the top four?

How the Farhad Moshiri era left Everton languishing on the brink of ruin

13:30 , Ben Fleming

Later on today, Everton host Manchester United in their first fixture since their ten-point deduction. Manager Sean Dyche said he was ‘shocked’ by the ‘unjust’ ruling but said his focus is on the pitch. But it’s difficult to ignore what the deduction represents - not only a blow to their survival hopes but another signal of the failure of the Farhad Moshiri era on Merseyside.

For more, read Richard Jolly’s in-depth piece below:

How the Farhad Moshiri era left Everton languishing on the brink of ruin

Both clubs pay tribute to former England manager Terry Venables

13:25 , Ben Fleming

Postecoglou full of praise for Emery

13:22 , Ben Fleming

Today will represent the first time that Postecoglou and Emery will do battle against each other from the dugouts. Both managers have presided over superb turnarounds for their respective teams, with the Australian full of praise for the job that his Spanish counterpart has done at Villa.

“I haven’t come across him, but I have been a great admirer of his coaching,” Postecoglou said.

“He came over here and the experience (with Arsenal) didn’t deter him in any way. He didn’t lose any belief in who he is as a manager. He has turned Villa around very, very quickly and you have got to remember what position they were in.

“I have looked at his teams and they have always been very well organised and structured, with a clear identity. And he has transferred that across three different countries. He is a quality manager.”

Tottenham vs Aston Villa: confirmed line-ups

13:14 , Ben Fleming

For Aston Villa, there is only one change as Carlos comes in for Tielemans. It’s unclear what that means formation-wise at this stage for Unai Emery’s side. It could mean a back five, with Cash and Digne operating as wing-backs or it could be a back four, with Konsa playing right-back and the aforementioned Cash ahead of him in midfield.

Only time will tell with that one.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa: confirmed line-ups

13:08 , Ben Fleming

Well, a few interesting things to note from those line-ups. No place in central defence for Dier, with Emerson coming in to start at centre-back alongside Davies. And in central midfield, Lo Celso and Bentancur will partner one another as Hojbjerg drops to the bench and Pape Sarr misses out with injury.

There’s also a first start of the season for Bryan Gil with Kulusevski down to play more centrally. An exciting XI named by Postecoglou.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa: confirmed line-ups

13:01 , Ben Fleming

And the teams are in:

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Emerson Royal, Davies, Udogie; Bentancur, Lo Celso; Kulusevski, Bryan, Son, Johnson

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Luiz; McGinn; Diaby, Watkins

Gary Lineker leads tributes after former England manager Terry Venables dies aged 80

12:59 , Ben Fleming

Gary Lineker led the tributes to his former England manager Terry Venables, who passed away aged 80 following a long illness.

Venables took charge of England in 1994 and led them to the Euro 1996 semi-finals when they were knocked out on penalties by Germany.

“Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died,” Lineker said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for. He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”

Gary Lineker leads tributes after former England manager Terry Venables dies aged 80

Former England manager Terry Venables dies aged 80

12:56 , Ben Fleming

Some sad news before today’s fixture as former England manager and player Terry Venables has died at the age of 80.

Venables played twice for England but he was more well known for his managerial than playing career, and was in charge of the national side between 1994 and 1996, when he led the team to the semi-finals of the Euros, before they were knocked out on penalties by Germany.

Known as El Tel, he also played for and managed Tottenham. The club have announced that a minute’s silence will be held before kick-off and players will wear a black armband in memory.

Former England manager Terry Venables dies aged 80

Unai Emery motivated by challenging Tottenham fixture

12:52 , Ben Fleming

Aston Villa could move above their opposition today with a win in North London but will have to correct their indifferent away form if they are to do so.

Emery’s side have the best home record in the league - perfect through six games - but have won just two games out of six away fixtures so far this season.

“Naturally, it is more difficult than playing at home, but it is not an excuse. The way to improve is to create and build a structure, with the ball and without the ball,” the Spaniard reflected.

“Tottenham are playing brilliantly, they are very strong at home and we are going to fight. Of course, it’s a big challenge for everybody and we have to be competitive. I am very motivated for Sunday, the players as well.”

Ange Postecoglou to hand Giovani Lo Celso chance to impress for Tottenham

12:42 , Ben Fleming

With plenty of injuries in central midfielder, the Argentine could be set for a key role in the coming weeks as he tries to prove his worth to this new-look Spurs side.

Signed four years ago towards the end of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, the Argentina international worked with current Villa boss Unai Emery at Villarreal last season, but could get the chance to haunt his old manager this weekend.

“I looked at Gio really well before I got here, both here at Tottenham and his spells at other clubs,” Postecoglou said.

“You can see he has certain qualities. He’s had a disruptive season for us. He’s had a few injuries, he hasn’t really had a clean run at it.

“He’s one of a number of players that has happened to, but you can see technically, he’s a very creative player, he works hard for the team. He’ll get an opportunity over the next few weeks to hopefully come in and make an impact.”

Rodrigo Bentancur return eases Tottenham’s injury crisis

12:33 , Ben Fleming

Ange Postecoglou is excited to see Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur close to his best again amid a growing injury crisis at the club.

Spurs host Aston Villa on Sunday with at least nine first-team players ruled out and Pape Sarr a doubt after he returned with a knock from international duty with Senegal.

A much-needed positive for the Australian is the return to fitness of Bentancur, who made his first competitive start in nine months in Uruguay’s 3-0 win over Bolivia on Tuesday after a serious knee injury.

“The fact Rodrigo got an opportunity to start (for Uruguay) is good for us. It gives him that confidence that he’s able to get through a game,” Postecoglou said.

“The beauty of him is he can play a couple of different areas. I think he can play as a six, he can play further forward as an eight and he’s even creative. I think he can score goals as well.

Rodrigo Bentancur return eases Tottenham’s injury crisis

Tottenham vs Aston Villa: predicted line-ups

12:24 , Ben Fleming

We’ll get confirmed team news in about 40 minutes, but here is how we are predicting both teams to line up:

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Dier, Davies, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Lo Celso; Kulusevski, Son, Johnson

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans; Diaby, Watkins

Tottenham vs Aston Villa: early team news

12:15 , Ben Fleming

Tottenham remain without several key players, with James Maddison and Micky van de Ven out until the New Year. To add to that, Yves Bissouma is suspended and Pape Matar Sarr is a doubt after picking up a knock on international duty. Destiny Udogie is fit, however, while Rodrigo Bentancur could make his first Tottenham start in nine months. Cristian Romero remains suspended.

Aston Villa could welcome back Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno while all of Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, John McGinn, Leon Bailey and Nicolo Zaniolo are expected to be fit after overcoming minor injuries.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa: all you need to know

12:06 , Ben Fleming

When is Tottenham vs Aston Villa?

The match kicks off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 26 November at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

How can I watch it?

It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting from 1pm. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

Friday 24 November 2023 16:43 , Jack Rathborn

Welcome to Independent Sport’s coverage of Tottenham vs Aston Villa in the Premier League.

In a key battle for a top-four finish in the Premier League, although fifth may still provide access to the Champions League, both sides have muscled into contention after fine starts.

Spurs will aim to bounce back from successive defeats, with Villa eager to inflict a third straight league defeat on the north London side.

Follow our live updates, including the latest score, goals, analysis and reaction from our reporter Jamie Braidwood at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.