Three reasons Tottenham have an advantage over Aston Villa in must-win fixture this week

Tottenham Hotspur head into the weekend knowing they must build on their last outing, but with a tougher test awaiting, there are still reasons to believe they can edge the contest.

Tottenham Hotspur simply need to build on their 1-0 victory over Wolves when they take to the pitch again this weekend.

However, standing in their way will be a fiercer opponent in terms of league standing and overall quality – Aston Villa.

Unai Emery’s side currently finds themselves in fifth place in the league standings, while Spurs remain in the bottom three, fighting for their Premier League survival with four games to go.

The victory against Rob Edwards’ side was certainly a step in the right direction, but one of the things learned from that match-up with Wolves was that Spurs simply need to play better against Aston Villa if they are to get a result.

Nonetheless, we believe there are three key reasons why Tottenham hold the advantage over Villa this weekend.

Tottenham can exploit Aston Villa’s poor form

Coming into this match-up, Aston Villa’s form has not been the most impressive, and that could work in Tottenham’s favour.

Of course, Spurs’ form is not any better, as they are sitting in the bottom three and have struggled to pick up wins in their previous 15 outings in this calendar year before triumphing over Wolves last weekend.

However, Villa’s dip can give Tottenham encouragement, as they are no longer as formidable as they were at the start of the season, when they went several games unbeaten.

In their last outing, Unai Emery’s side suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Fulham, leaving their form across the last five matches at LWDWL – a return of seven points from a possible 15.

Across their last 11 games, Villa rank among the poorer sides in the division, sitting 15th based on that run, having picked up 12 points from a possible 33 and conceding 17 goals in that period.

Only Chelsea, Newcastle, Wolves, Spurs and Burnley have fared worse from gameweek 24 to date. If Roberto De Zerbi gets his tactical set-up right, his side could come away with all three points.

Tottenham could benefit from Aston Villa’s Europa League focus

Unlike Spurs, who have only the Premier League to focus on, Aston Villa have their attention split as they continue their European campaign.

Unai Emery has guided his side into the semi-final of the Europa League, offering a rare chance to end a 30-year trophy drought.

Their semi-final opponent is fellow English side Nottingham Forest, making it a far from straightforward tie. For Tottenham, this could prove beneficial both in this clash and in their fight for survival, as Emery may opt to go full strength on Thursday, which could leave his players fatigued heading into Sunday’s encounter.

Spurs, by contrast, will have had a full week’s rest, and if they play with intensity from the start, they could capitalise and push for back-to-back wins.

Spurs can take advantage of Aston Villa’s league position

Another factor that could work in Spurs’ favour is Aston Villa’s position in the Premier League table.

Villa currently sit fifth and are eight points clear of Brighton with four games remaining, meaning their place in the Champions League is almost secured.

They also have the opportunity to secure qualification by winning the Europa League, and a strong result against Nottingham Forest would further strengthen that path.

With less at stake domestically, this situation could play into Tottenham’s hands, as Spurs are fully focused on survival. However, it will be up to the Lilywhites to make it count by starting fast and preventing Villa from settling into the game.

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