The race for the Champions League is heating up at this early stage and Aston Villa are currently in pole position.
Aston Villa are sitting pretty in fourth position in the Premier League following five victories from their opening nine games.
The Villans were held to a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth last weekend, as Evanilson equalised in the 96th minute but Unai Emery’s men should feel confident of clinching another Champions League finish.
They’ve only tasted one defeat in the league this term, and that came back in August against Arsenal, who were very fortunate that Ollie Watkins didn’t have his shooting boots on.
So far, Emery’s men have managed the busy fixture schedule superbly, and although Villa knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, it could be a blessing in disguise.
Villa can now fully focus on finishing in the top four and going deep into the Champions League, with their fixture against Tottenham on Sunday proving massive.
The 100-year record Aston Villa can break vs Tottenham
Tottenham are currently eighth in the Premier League table, five points adrift of fourth-place Aston Villa, who boast a strong record in this fixture.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  Man CityManchester City | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 20 | 9 | 11 | 23 |
| 2 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 5 | 12 | 22 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 18 |
| 4 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 18 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 17 |
| 6 |  BrightonBrighton | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 16 |
| 7 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 16 |
| 8 |  TottenhamTottenham | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 10 | 8 | 13 |
Emery’s troops have won three of their last four meetings against Spurs, including a 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium last November thanks to goals from Watkins and Pau Torres.
When they make the trip down to North London this weekend, it isn’t just solidifying their place in the top four that Villa are eyeing, as there is a 100-year record they’re looking to break.
As pointed out by Aston Villa Statto, Villa can win three consecutive away league games at Spurs for the first time since 1924.
That would be some achievement if they could pull it off and not only would it put this team in the history books, but it would also strengthen their grip on the top four.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa prediction
Tottenham against Aston Villa always promises goals, in fact, there have been 16 in the last five meetings.
Both sides are extremely attacking, comprising defensive rigidity for free-flowing entertainment and this should make for an exciting spectacle.
Paul Merson thinks Villa can extend their unbeaten run in the league to eight matches by beating Spurs, and that is exactly how we see the fixture playing out.
Tottenham are vulnerable defensively and with their high line, the likes of Watkins and Morgan Rogers could have a field day running in behind.
Plus, Postecoglu’s side were dealt a huge blow after finding out star defender Micky Van de Ven would miss the clash through injury.
The Dutchman has become irreplaceable to the Spurs’ defence due to his frightening pace and power, with Villa now able to exploit that vulnerability and come away with all three points.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa.
