Tottenham will want to head into the international break with a win over Aston Villa.
Tottenham Hotspur travelled to Merseyside to face Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, but saw their campaign come to an early end as they lost 3-1.
Spurs played a good game at Anfield, edging Liverpool in terms of possession, total shots, efforts on target and shots inside the box. They created some clear-cut opportunities, but once again, lacked the finishing skills. The Lilywhites’ only goal of the night came from a corner, with Conor Gallagher netting a free header.
For the second season in a row, Tottenham have bowed out of the EFL Cup in the third round. However, Roberto De Zerbi and Co. cannot dwell on it and must quickly shift their focus toward entertaining Aston Villa on Saturday in the Premier League.
Gabby Agbonlahor makes surprising Tottenham vs. Aston Villa prediction
Tottenham have received a major reality check that spending money alone in the transfer market won’t bring positive results. The North Londoners are still searching for their first win and first goal of the campaign after six hours of league football, and they will desperately be hoping it comes against Aston Villa at home.
TNT commentator Ally McCoist has predicted Spurs to edge out Villa 2-1. Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor is also backing the home side to get the job done. The boyhood Villa fan thinks Unai Emery has got a lot of injuries to key players to contend with, suggesting his team’s problems at the back will be exposed by Tottenham.
“No. Do you know why? Because over the last five years, whenever a striker has not scored in 35 games, they score against Villa. Whenever a team has not won in ten games, they beat Villa,” Gabby Agbonlahor said on the All Out Football podcast.
“We are the team that always get you off the hook when you are going through a tough time. Spurs have not scored this season in the Premier League – they will score and probably score two or three against Aston Villa, especially with our problems at the back.
“Lindelof made Liam Delap look like Romario last weekend, so I worry about us defensively. Pau Torres is out injured, Maatsen is out injured. I am worried for this game for Aston Villa. I think Spurs beat Aston Villa.”
Fast start needed vs. Villa
It is true that Villa head to N17 with an injury-riddled squad. Emery has several key players missing, and the injuries to Torres and Maatsen make Villa extremely porous at the back. The Villans’ defensive deficiencies has to be exploited by De Zerbi’s men.
A fast start from the hosts is expected, as the onus will be on us to take the game to Villa and force mistakes. Spurs have to be relentless with their pressing and closing down, not allowing the visitors to breathe. Also, having the likes of Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali back fit should automatically lift the team’s collective spirit and help them produce a strong performance.
