Sports Mole

Chelsea are reportedly determined to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window and beat Tottenham Hotspur to his signature.

Guehi was the subject of a failed bid from Spurs in the January window thought to be in the region of £70m, and they are expected to demand a similar fee at the end of the season.

The England international has also previously attracted interest from Newcastle United, and with 18 months left on his Palace contract, it would be surprising if suitors did not return for his signature in the summer.

Given Chelsea were forced to recall Trevor Chalobah from his loan deal at Selhurst Park, signing a centre-back would make sense, while Spurs must address their defensive issues if they are to compete for silverware in the coming seasons.

The Mirror claim that Chelsea are planning to sign Guehi in the summer transfer window and hope to finally pry him away from Palace, usurping Spurs in the process.

Should Guehi sign for Chelsea?

Chelsea are in desperate need of defensive reinforcement given they have struggled to keep opponents at bay all season, with the club having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight Premier League games.

The Londoners have also conceded eight goals in their four most recent outings, and their record of 34 goals conceded in the league is the second worst in the top eight.

Guehi has often played on the left side of a back three this season under Oliver Glasner, but he would be more likely to play as a right-sided centre-back under Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca given Levi Colwill plays on the left for the Blues.

However, his ability to reliably win his ground duels (67%) would undoubtedly provide Maresca with extra defensive solidity in the backline regardless of his position.

Should Guehi sign for Tottenham?

Tottenham's defence has been routinely exposed in the Premier League, with the team having conceded at least two goals in six of their past nine Premier League games.

Ange Postecoglou could point to the fact he has rarely been able to select first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven as a mitigating factor for his side's defensive frailty.

Considering the duo have been plagued by injuries at the club, Guehi would likely be afforded with regular playing time.

The Englishman is adept at bringing the ball out from the back and would fit seamlessly into Postecoglou's system, though the Spurs boss would have to leave out one of Guehi, Romero or Van de Ven from his starting lineup when all three are fit.

Tottenham Hotspur will be bidding to make it three straight wins in the Premier League when they head to Portman Road on Saturday afternoon to tackle Ipswich Town.

Spurs recorded a 1-0 victory over Manchester United last time out, with the result moving Ange Postecoglou's side into 12th spot in the Premier League table.

Tottenham will now be searching for a third successive victory in England's top flight against an Ipswich side that are battling to remain in the Premier League this term.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest with the Tractor Boys.

Kevin Danso

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Ipswich Town)

Danso was replaced in the latter stages of the clash with Man United last time out due to a knock, but Postecogolou is expecting the defender to be available for selection this weekend.

Son Heung-min

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Ipswich Town)

Son was replaced late on against Man United after picking up a minor knock, but the South Korea international should be available for the trip to Ipswich.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Ipswich Town)

Like Danso and Son, Bentancur was substituted against Man United with a knock, but there is no real concern surrounding the midfielder, and he should be in the squad against Ipswich.

Richarlison

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Richarlison came off with a calf injury in the recent EFL Cup loss to Liverpool, and the Brazilian is not expected to be available for selection until the clash with Bournemouth on March 9.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Dragusin recently announced that he had undergone successful surgery on the knee problem he sustained against Elfsborg in the Europa League, and he will not be available again until next season.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Solanke will again miss out against Ipswich due to a knee problem, with the striker's return to action likely to come in early March.

Timo Werner

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Ipswich Town)

Werner is in the final stages of his recovery from a hamstring problem, and there is a strong chance that the attacker will be available for selection against Ipswich.

Cristian Romero

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Romero remains on the sidelines recovering from a thigh injury, but the Argentina international is on course to return to action towards the start of March.

Micky van de Ven

Status: Out

Type of injury: Fitness

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Van de Ven made his comeback from a thigh injury against Elfsborg in the Europa League on January 30, but he has since been on the sidelines due to a fitness issue, and the centre-back is not expected to be available until the start of next month.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no suspended players for this match.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to rival Arsenal and Chelsea for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

The attacker has been one of the bright sparks in what is proving to be a difficult campaign for the German club, who are down in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table with eight points separating them from the top four.

Gittens has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 33 competitive appearances this season, including seven goals and four assists in 22 Bundesliga matches.

As a result of that impressive return, the England Under-21 international is attracting interest from a number of Premier League sides.

Arsenal are among those that have been linked with a move, while it was recently reported that Chelsea have started talks over a potential transfer.

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Spurs to rival Arsenal, Chelsea in Gittens bidding war

However, according to German outlet Bild, Arsenal and Chelsea will face competition from London rivals Tottenham for Gittens's signature.

The report suggests that Spurs are ready to pull out all the stops to add the 20-year-old to Ange Postecoglou's attacking ranks.

Gittens is currently under contract until the summer of 2028, but Dortmund may decide to listen to offers if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Tottenham will have to splash the cash if they are to pull off the transfer, with Dortmund believed to be looking for a fee in the region of €100m (£83m).

There is a possibility that the Dortmund man could be the subject of a bidding war in the summer transfer window.

In addition to Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea, Gittens has also been mentioned as a potential transfer target for Manchester United.

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Why Spurs could be at a disadvantage in Gittens race

Gittens will most likely want to join a club that can offer him Champions League football if he leaves Dortmund at the end of the season.

As a result, Spurs may be at a disadvantage to their London rivals, with Arsenal and Chelsea both in the hunt to secure Champions League qualification.

Second-placed Arsenal are well set to qualify for UEFA's elite club competition, while Chelsea are in sixth position with a goal difference keeping them from fifth spot, which could become a Champions League place by the end of the season.

However, Spurs, like Man United, are currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, meaning any realistic Champions League hopes rest on their performance in the Europa League.

If they go all the way in the Europa League, Tottenham will be rewarded with a Champions League spot which would boost their chances of signing Gittens.

Bragging rights will be at stake when Arsenal Women welcome North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur Women to the Emirates Stadium for Sunday's Women's Super League clash.

The Gunners are sitting in third place in the WSL table, while the visitors are 10 points further back in fifth position.

Match preview

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Arsenal will head into the North London derby off the back of three wins in four competitive matches, including victories over Bristol City and Manchester City in the Women's FA Cup and WSL respectively.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, Man City got swift revenge in the Women's League Cup semi-finals, scoring a late winner to end Arsenal's hopes of winning the competition for a third consecutive season.

They put that disappointment behind them to record a routine 2-0 victory in last Sunday's Women's FA Cup clash against second-tier London City Lionesses, with Laia Codina and Stina Blackstenius getting on the scoresheet to set up a quarter-final clash against Liverpool.

Arsenal will now turn their focus back to WSL action, with the Gunners sitting 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea, three points behind second-placed Man United and two points clear of Man City in fourth position.

The hosts will have the chance to complete a league double over their rivals on Sunday after easing to a 3-0 victory in November's reverse fixture.

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Tottenham will head into Sunday's North London derby off the back of an underwhelming run of form which has seen them lose three times across their last four competitive matches.

After losing to West Ham United in the Women's League Cup quarter-finals, Spurs returned to WSL action with a 3-2 away victory over Crystal Palace, before they lost to Everton and Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup and league respectively.

As a result of the cup defeat to the Toffees, Robert Vilahamn's side were not in action last season, giving them a full two-week break to prepare for the derby, with the visitors dreaming of claiming their first-ever WSL away victory against Arsenal.

Their only previous WSL win against Arsenal took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2023 when they recorded a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to Martha Thomas's 58th-minute effort.

Spurs will be hoping to summon up the sort of defensive display they produced in that memorable win, although that may be easier said than done given the fact they have conceded 26 goals in 13 league matches this season, leaving them with the second-worst defensive record in the top flight.

Arsenal Women Women's Super League form:

Arsenal Women form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

Team News

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The hosts are expected to be without the services of Kim Little, Victoria Pelova and Lina Hurtig due to their respective injury issues.

After making wholesale changes for the recent meeting with London City, Renee Slegers is set to recall a whole host of players for Sunday's fixture, including Daphne van Domselaar, Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Alessia Russo.

Winter addition Jenna Nighswonger is set to provide a useful option off the bench after making her Arsenal debut last weekend.

As for their North London rivals, Spurs are unable to call upon the injured trio of Eveliina Summanen, Kit Graham and Ella Morris.

Amy James-Turner is unlikely to return in time for Sunday's derby, while Drew Spence is a doubt after missing the last three matches.

Beth England will continue to offer one of Tottenham's main goal threats, having scored seven times in 13 WSL appearances this season.

Arsenal Women possible starting lineup:

Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley; Cooney-Cross, Walti; Mead, Maanum, Caldentey; Russo

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Kop; Neville, Hunt, Bartrip, Nilden; Rybrink, Oroz; Raso, Thomas, Naz; England

We say: Arsenal Women 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur Women

Tottenham will be desperate to provide stiff competition to their rivals in Sunday's derby clash, but for all of their good intentions, we think they will be swept aside by an arsenal team that have won their last three WSL home matches by a combined 14-0 scoreline.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Two fallen titans of the English game butt heads in Sunday's Premier League main event, as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Ruben Amorim's Manchester United to their North London home.

Victory for the Lilywhites would enable them to leapfrog their equally lowly opponents in the bottom half of the Premier League table, although neither can consider themselves to be completely clear of the relegation picture just yet.

Match preview

Flash back to just after September's North London derby to Arsenal, where a bullish Ange Postecoglou remarked that he "always" wins trophies in his second year in a job, a bold claim which his managerial history does indeed back up.

However, in the space of just four days earlier this month, the Australian's bid to fulfil that prophecy suffered two devastating blows, as an EFL Cup semi-final collapse at the hands of Liverpool preceded another premature FA Cup exit, this time in the fourth round to Aston Villa.

A first slice of silverware since 2008 could still arrive in the form of the Europa League, though, and before their double dose of knockout heartache, Tottenham finally pulled themselves out of a Premier League rut away to London rivals Brentford.

Sinking the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium snapped Tottenham's abysmal four-game losing run and seven-game winless sequence in the top flight, where the goal now is to end an equally embarrassing run of form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Indeed, Postecoglou's meek men have now gone over three months without winning a Premier League home game, drawing two and losing five of their last seven top-flight games in front of their own fans, despite finding the back of the net in all of them.

Only Everton have failed to score away from home against Tottenham in the 2024-25 Premier League season, but Postecoglou is yet to suffer the agony of defeat to Man United in the competition and could now become just the fourth manager - after Unai Emery, Ruud Gullit and Nuno Espirito Santo - to go unbeaten in his first four Premier League matches against the Red Devils.

Similarly to Sunday's hosts, Man United also made the net bulge in added time of their FA Cup fourth-round tie, but while Mathys Tel's effort for Tottenham was an uncontroversial consolation, Harry Maguire's for the Red Devils was a highly contentious clincher.

The former Leicester centre-back rose highest to nod home a free kick and propel Amorim's men to an extremely hard-fought 2-1 win, but had VAR been in operation for the fourth-round tie, his goal would have undoubtedly been ruled out for the clear offside offence missed by the linesman.

As Ruud van Nistelrooy raged about 'offside time' as opposed to the age-old 'Fergie time', the overjoyed Man United faithful revelled in their side's sixth victory from their last eight matches across all tournaments, a marked improvement for the former perennial champions as they also chase Europa League glory in the spring.

However, the 20-time English champions were yet again found wanting in their 2-0 top-flight home loss to Crystal Palace on February 2 - their seventh defeat from their last 11 Premier League matches - and Spurs have had their number twice this season already.

Before December's captivating 4-3 EFL Cup quarter-final triumph, Postecoglou's Tottenham were too hot for Erik ten Hag's Man United to handle in a 3-0 Old Trafford trouncing, meaning that they could now do the double over the Red Devils in the Premier League for the very first time.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Manchester United Premier League form:

Manchester United form (all competitions):

Team News

For the past several weeks, Postecoglou has been managing without a full team or close to a full team of injured troops, but at least two and potentially as many as four could return for the visit of Man United.

The Spurs boss confirmed on Friday that Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie are on track for their first appearances of 2025, while James Maddison and Brennan Johnson could also be back from calf problems. Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner are in training too, but their comebacks will have to wait.

However, Micky van de Ven (thigh), Cristian Romero (thigh), Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf) remain sidelined, while Radu Dragusin recently underwent successful surgery on his season-ending ACL problem.

Dragusin and Lisandro Martinez are now both on the mend from similar operations; the Man United defender reportedly underwent his earlier this week and will be one of six guaranteed absentees for the visitors in North London.

Luke Shaw (calf), Mason Mount (thigh), Jonny Evans (back), Tom Heaton (unspecified) and Altay Bayindir (unspecified) remain sidelined too, and Amorim also revealed in his pre-game press conference that he had another 'one or two issues' without naming names.

The cup success over Leicester saw new arrival Patrick Dorgu peculiarly make his debut on the right-hand side before being hooked at the break for Alejandro Garnacho, who will surely be rewarded for that game-changing cameo with a start on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Tel, Son

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Diallo, Garnacho; Zirkzee

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Manchester United

Whether for or against Postecoglou's team, goals are almost always a guarantee at both ends of the field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as both sides have scored in each of Spurs' last 10 Premier League home matches.

Ten should become 11 on a pleasing afternoon's work for Tottenham, who have a handful of key players coming back and still pack a punch up front, while Man United's unconvincing win over Leicester arguably just papered over the cracks.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Chido Obi has been training with the senior side this week.

The 17-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Red Devils this season, scoring 12 times in 12 appearances at Under-18s and Under-21s level, including seven goals in three matches in the FA Youth Cup.

Obi netted a hat trick against Chelsea Under-18s in the fifth round of the competition on Wednesday night, and he is viewed as one of the best young prospects in world football following his incredible exploits at Arsenal.

The teenager scored 32 goals in 18 appearances for Arsenal Under-18s last season, including 28 goals in his final nine appearances of the campaign, but he decided against signing a new contract with the Gunners.

Man United won the race for his services, and he has continued his excellent goalscoring exploits for his new club.

Amorim has revealed that the teenager has been training with the first team ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, hinting at a possible involvement in North London.

"I don't want to say names. We have to be careful on that. We have problems this week, we called some young players to be in our training. We have some data evaluation. He is one of them," said Amorim during Friday's press conference.

© Imago

Obi trains with Man United first team due to squad issues

Amorim revealed that there are currently some concerns ahead of the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Red Devils potentially being without a couple of important players.

"Was a good week until two days ago, we had some problems, we don't have players back, maybe we have one or two issues, we are waiting. We have one player who is sick, we will see on the weekend," he told reporters.

Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are definitely unavailable for selection, and the fresh issues may open the door for some academy players to be included in the squad on Sunday.

© Imago

Will Obi be in the Man United squad against Spurs?

Amorim's decision not to name the players that are doubts for Sunday means that it is difficult to speculate, but if either Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee are impacted, then it would not be a surprise to see Obi make the trip to North London.

There is no getting away from the fact that both Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled this season, and Amorim recently selected Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace in an attempt to find a solution in the final third.

Hojlund has seven goals in 31 appearances this season, while Zirkzee has five in 36, so it is difficult to ignore the numbers that Obi is producing, albeit at youth level.

Man United do not have much to lose in the league in the coming months, with the FA Cup and Europa League much more important in terms of their campaign, and now should be the time for Obi to be given some first-team exposure, particularly off the back of a stunning treble against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.

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Reeling from two cup exits in the space of four days, Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League duties against fellow fallen titans Manchester United in North London on Sunday afternoon.

After being slaughtered by Liverpool in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, Ange Postecoglou's men saw their hopes of FA Cup stardom crash and burn at Aston Villa, losing 2-1 in the fourth round last weekend.

However, Spurs did prevail in their last Premier League engagement - sinking Brentford 2-0 - and victory on Sunday would see them at least leapfrog the Red Devils in the bottom half of the top-flight standings.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest with Ruben Amorim's side, who controversially made it past Leicester City 2-1 in their FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Richarlison

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: Unknown

Injury-prone attacker Richarlison came off with a calf injury at Anfield in the EFL Cup loss to Liverpool, and Postecoglou has not been able to give a definitive update on when the Brazilian might return.

Radu Dragusin

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Radu Dragusin announced on Tuesday that he had undergone successful surgery on the ACL problem he sustained against Elfsborg in the Europa League, and the Romanian is now beginning the long road to recovery.

Dominic Solanke

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Ipswich Town)

Dominic Solanke's knee injury is expected to keep him out of the crunch clash with Man United, but the ex-Bournemouth striker could be back in the ranks before the end of February.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Wilson Odobert is not believed to be too far away from a long-awaited comeback from a severe hamstring injury, but it may be a few more weeks until the Frenchman is back in contention.

Guglielmo Vicario

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Kicking off the good news regarding Tottenham's injury situation, number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario - out with an ankle injury since November - is said to be one of a few players aiming to return to full training this week, with the hope of being available for selection this weekend.

James Maddison

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Playmaker James Maddison is another one of those hopeful players, as the Englishman targets a return from the calf problem that has kept him out since the middle of January.

Brennan Johnson

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Likewise, Brennan Johnson is pushing to come back from his own calf issue in time to face the Red Devils, thus offering Postecoglou an alternative attacking option.

Timo Werner

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Timo Werner is in exactly the same boat as Johnson, Vicario and Maddison, but the RB Leipzig loanee has lost Postecoglou's trust if him being left out of Tottenham's Europa League knockout squad is anything to go by.

Destiny Udogie

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: February 16 (vs. Manchester United)

Left-back Destiny Udogie is yet to make an appearance in 2025 due to a hamstring injury, but the Italy international might finally be in line for his first minutes of the new year on Sunday.

Cristian Romero

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Ipswich Town)

In contrast, Cristian Romero's recovery from a thigh injury is a "slow burner", according to Postecoglou, and the Argentine is not expected to be given the green light to play on Sunday.

Micky van de Ven

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Fitness

Possible return date: Unknown

Micky van de Ven made his comeback from a thigh injury against Elfsborg in the Europa League but has since been out of the first-team picture as he returns to peak fitness, and it is currently unclear when he will be available for Premier League selection again.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no suspended players for this match.

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An all-Premier League FA Cup fourth-round battle will be fought at Villa Park on Sunday evening, as Aston Villa pit their wits against an injury-hit Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lions eked out a 2-1 win over West Ham United in round three, while Spurs overcame non-league Tamworth 3-0 after extra time, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

ASTON VILLA vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

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ASTON VILLA

Out: Axel Disasi (cup-tied), Ollie Watkins (groin), Pau Torres (ankle), Matty Cash (unspecified), Tyrone Mings (knee), Ross Barkley (calf)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Olsen; Garcia, Kamara, Konsa, Maatsen; Tielemans, Onana; Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey; Malen

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Richarlison (calf), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Dominic Solanke (knee), James Maddison (calf), Micky van de Ven (fitness), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Cristian Romero (thigh), Timo Werner (thigh), Brennan Johnson (calf)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Tel, Son

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match .

Already reeling from one dose of knockout heartache, Tottenham Hotspur could see another shot at silverware pass them by when they travel to the West Midlands for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round date with Aston Villa.

Ange Postecoglou's sorry side were smashed 4-0 by Liverpool in Thursday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg, while the Lions have had a week to reflect on their 2-0 loss to near neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Match preview

© Imago

As some Spurs fans might have feared, a 1-0 first-leg win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-finals was nowhere near enough, as Postecoglou's hopes of fulfilling his second-season trophy prophecy took another significant hit at Anfield in midweek.

Cody Gakpo's opener, Mohamed Salah's penalty, Dominik Szoboszlai's tidy finish and Virgil van Dijk's header completed a ruthless Liverpool turnaround and sent the Reds into the EFL Cup final at Spurs' expense, as the Lilywhites were subjected to a rude awakening after a rare positive in 2025.

Last weekend's 2-0 Premier League London derby win over Brentford ended Tottenham's terrible four-match losing run in the top flight, but a top-half place in the table remains out of reach for the time being, and they are still closer to the relegation zone than the European places points-wise.

There is an argument to be had that Tottenham's FA Cup third-round clash with Tamworth was just as pitiful as their loss to Liverpool in midweek; the final scoreline may have read 3-0, but Spurs were taken to extra time by their non-league opponents, who were not short of chances to pull off a major upset in the 90.

Nevertheless, the only fact that matters is that Postecoglou's men are in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and the North London outfit have won four of their last five matches at this stage of the competition, although their one loss in that sequence came in last year's edition to Manchester City.

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Hosts Aston Villa also left it late to punch their ticket to the FA Cup fourth round, albeit not extra-time late, as Amadou Onana and Morgan Rogers cancelled out a Lucas Paqueta opener in a 2-1 success over Graham Potter's West Ham United on January 10.

However, Unai Emery's men have picked up just two victories from their subsequent six matches across all competitions, and only one from their last five, although that 4-2 beating of Celtic was critical to their progression to the last 16 of the Champions League.

All season long, however, the Lions have been found wanting in their next Premier League game immediately after a Champions League match, and that worrying trend continued at Molineux, where Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Cunha propelled Wolves to a 2-0 derby win.

The Lions have often counter-acted unsuccessful away days with pleasing home displays, though, as their unbeaten run at Villa Park now stands at 10 games in all competitions since October's EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, although they are without a clean sheet in six on home soil.

Sticking with the theme of Aston Villa shipping goals, the Lions have conceded four in each of their last two matches with Tottenham - unsurprisingly losing both of them - but Emery's men won all three of their meetings in 2023 and will be under no illusions that they hold the favourites tag for this tie.

Aston Villa FA Cup form:

Aston Villa form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur FA Cup form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

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As well as heading home with bruised egos, a decimated Tottenham side were dealt yet another injury blow on Thursday evening, where Richarlison sustained a calf injury and had to be withdrawn for new signing Mathys Tel at the end of the first half.

The luckless Richarlison is part of a full XI of absent players for the visitors, as Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Dominic Solanke (knee), James Maddison (calf), Micky van de Ven (fitness), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Cristian Romero (thigh), Timo Werner (thigh) and Brennan Johnson (calf) have all been ruled out of Sunday's game by Postecoglou.

Unless Son Heung-min is moved to a central role and Mikey Moore comes into the XI, Postecoglou should promote Tel to the starting lineup as the Bayern Munich loanee makes his full debut, while Pedro Porro and Lucas Bergvall should provide some much-needed fresh legs too.

Villa could also offer a first start to a new attacking loanee, as Manchester United-owned Marcus Rashford did not feature for the Red Devils in their third-round win over Arsenal and is therefore eligible to feature on Sunday, but his lack of football in recent weeks means that a debut as a substitute is far more likely.

Marco Asensio is in line for a Villa baptism too, but fellow January signing Axel Disasi is indeed cup-tied, and Emery confirmed in his pre-game press conference that Ollie Watkins (groin), Pau Torres (ankle), Matty Cash (unspecified), Tyrone Mings (knee) and Ross Barkley (calf) are still unavailable.

Should Emery decide that Rashford needs more time before being thrown back into the spotlight, either Donyell Malen or Leon Bailey should fill the Watkins void up front, but Asensio has played in a central role for parent club Paris Saint-Germain and cannot be ruled out either.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Olsen; Garcia, Kamara, Konsa, Maatsen; Tielemans, Onana; Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey; Malen

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bissouma, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Tel, Son

We say: Aston Villa 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham may have won nine of their last 10 away matches against Aston Villa in all tournaments, but the history books should mean little on Sunday, where Postecoglou's men arrive fatigued, low on numbers and even lower on confidence.

As Emery's men have enjoyed a week off Champions League duties, the Lions have our vote to comfortably put Tottenham to the sword, leaving the Lilywhites with only the Europa League to fight for.

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