Aston Villa will be looking to close the door on the top-four race when Tottenham Hotspur visit Villa Park on Sunday.
Unai Emery’s side sit five points ahead of the visitors, having played one game more.
Ahead of the fixture, Villa are sweating on the fitness of Jacob Ramsey after the midfielder was forced during the 3-2 away win over Luton Town.
Ange Postecoglou also has some concerns heading into the fixture, with four first-team players currently out of action.
It promises to be a compelling affair, and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on what to expect at Villa Park.
Paul Merson makes Aston Villa v Tottenham prediction
Writing in his latest column for Sportkeeda, Merson said: “If Tottenham lose this one, they’ll go eight points behind Aston Villa. They’d still have a game in hand, but this is more of a ‘don’t lose’ kind of game for Ange Postecoglou and his team.
“Both teams play such a high line and have a bunch of talented attacking players, so this will be an entertaining game of football. If Villa win, I think they’ll put the top-four race to bed, which is honestly an unbelievable feat. I’m looking at their squads and the seasons they’ve had so far, but I just can’t seem to separate them. Aston Villa 2-2 Tottenham.”
It’s fair to say we have an intriguing matchup on Sunday. Both teams like to attack, which could make for an entertaining game.
Realistically, it’s a fixture neither team will want to lose, which could make the draw a possibility.
However, with Tottenham usually prepared to take risks under Postecoglou and Villa free-scoring at home, there’s every chance of a highly entertaining affair.
