Eight-time FA Cup winners Tottenham put together some form over the festive period, which included a crucial win away to Crystal Palace (1-0) in the Premier League. It would have been by a more comfortable margin, had it not been for a couple of Richarlison strikes overturned by VAR.
There will have been disappointment in the camp following the 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland last weekend, but the injuries aren’t slowing down, as Mohammed Kudus was pulled off with a suspected thigh problem.
Thomas Frank has come under scrutiny. However, he would relish a good run in the competition as his side last lifted the FA Cup back in 1991.
Bar the 4-1 hammering at Arsenal before the New Year, Villa are showing no signs of fading in the Premier League title race, and they continue to be the great entertainers.
Over the past fortnight, Villa have shown remarkable powers of recovery, as demonstrated in the league when they came from 1-0 down away to Chelsea before pulling off a 2-1 win, courtesy of an Ollie Watkins double.
Emery’s men are mentally strong, and a strong run in the FA Cup will be much appreciated.