The FA Cup action continues today and the pick of the fourth-round ties sees reeling Tottenham Hotspur head to Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s side welcomes Premier League opposition to Villa Park for the second successive round after knocking out West Ham in the third round.
Alongside their Champions League progress and top-four chase, Villa have serious ambitions of ending their 29-year wait for a major trophy this season.
However, Villa face a tricky test in Tottenham. Though the North London side’s season has been decimated by injuries, Spurs have had the better of this fixture in recent encounters. Spurs were woeful at Anfield on Thursday night as they crashed out of the EFL Cup with a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool when they were just one step away from Wembley.
The prospect of winning silverware has been easing some of the pressure on Ange Postecoglou after a dismal run in the Premier League. But if his side suffers another knockout exit to Villa today, it could leave the Aussie reeling. Spurs will be desperate to bounce back with a win in this FA Cup fourth-round tie.
Aston Villa Team News
Villa could hand debuts to Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford following their late arrivals in the winter transfer window. The loanees are eligible to feature this afternoon, but fellow recruit Axel Disasi is cup-tied.
The arrivals of Asensio and Rashford boost a forward line especially as Aston Villa will be without Ollie Watkins for the visit of Spurs after he injured his groin in last week’s defeat at Wolves.
However, Unai Emery hopes he will be available in the next week.
“For him each day is being important how he is feeling,” the Spaniard added.
“For Sunday, he’s not going to be available because today he didn’t train and tomorrow he won’t train as well because he needs to recover hopefully for the next week he will be available.”
Defenders Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Matty Cash also miss out, along with midfielder Ross Barkley.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup
Martinez (GK); Garcia, Kamara, Konsa, Maatsen; Tielemans, Onana, McGinn; Rogers, Malen, Ramsey.
Tottenham Team News
Mathys Tel is expected to make his first Tottenham start in their FA Cup fourth-round clash against Aston Villa.
Tottenham’s injury problems have increased after their 4-0 loss at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Thursday when Richarlisonwas forced off in the first half with a new calf injury.
Richarlison’s absence means Spurs are set to be without 12 players for the Villa clash, with Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke still unavailable.
Tottenham Predicted Lineup
Kinsky (GK); Porro, Davies, Danso, Gray; Bentancur, Bergvall, Bissouma; Son, Tel, Kulusevski.
When is Aston Villa vs Tottenham?
Aston Villa host Tottenham in the FA Cup’s fourth round on Sunday 9th February 2025. Kick-off at Villa Park is 17:35 GMT.
What TV channel is Aston Villa vs Tottenham on?
Aston Villa vs Tottenham will be available to watch on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online.
Who is the referee?
Anthony Taylor will be the match official. Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn will assist him while Simon Hooper will be the fourth official. VAR will not be in operation.
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