Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa both aspire to remain on their upward trajectories in Sunday's intriguing Premier League clash in North London.

The Lilywhites bested Leeds United 2-1 before the international break, while the Lions took down Burnley by the same scoreline, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for the two clubs.

TOTTENHAM vs. ASTON VILLA

TOTTENHAM

Out: Yves Bissouma (ankle), Dominic Solanke (ankle), James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Radu Dragusin (ACL)

Doubtful:Â Randal Kolo Muani (thigh), Kota Takai (foot), Ben Davies (muscle)

Sports Mole's predicted XI:Â Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Simons, Tel; Richarlison

ASTON VILLA

Out: Youri Tielemans (calf)

Doubtful: Ollie Watkins (knee), Andres Garcia (unspecified), Tyrone Mings (ankle), Emiliano Buendia (head), Jadon Sancho (illness)

Sports Mole's predicted XI:Â Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Malen, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

No Data Analysis info

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery should have Ollie Watkins fit and available for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

The England international was taken off at half time in the Three Lions' 3-0 friendly win over Wales last Thursday, having sustained a knee issue while colliding with the post.

However, there is optimism that Watkins's problem is nothing more than a contact injury, and the former Brentford man is expected to be given the thumbs-up to lead the line at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Watkins should therefore comprise part of an unchanged attacking quartet featuring the in-form Donyell Malen, captain John McGinn and Morgan Rogers, who is aiming to set up a goal in three Premier League games for the first time ever.

As Youri Tielemans is still struggling with a calf problem and is likely to miss another few weeks, but Amadou Onana is fit and ready to join forces with Boubacar Kamara in the middle, so Lamare Bogarde ought to make way.

Further back, Tyrone Mings's ankle problem might clear up in time for the trip to Tottenham, but Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres are safer bets in the Lions' backline.

The central pairing should join Matty Cash and Lucas Digne in an unchanged back four, while ex-Arsenal man Emiliano Martinez can expect a particularly frosty reception.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Malen, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

> Click here to see how Spurs could line up for this game

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank is likely to be dealing with two boosts and two blows for Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa in North London.

The Lilywhites saw Yves Bissouma stretchered off during the international break while representing Mali, and Ben Davies also succumbed to a muscular issue during Wales' World Cup 2026 Qualifying loss to Belgium.

On the bright side, Randal Kolo Muani completed 45 minutes of a recent behind-closed-doors friendly with Watford as he steps up his return from his own muscle problem, while Kota Takai is nearing a return from a foot concern too.

Kolo Muani will be a genuine contender to lead the line here, but as Richarlison only played 26 minutes for Brazil during the international break, the ex-Everton man should be given the all-clear to start.

Richarlison was on the bench for Tottenham's 2-1 triumph over Leeds United before the international break, but he should now take Wilson Odobert's place as goalscorers Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus reprise their roles.

Summer signing Xavi Simons is expected to pull the creative strings in front of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, the latter of whom did not represent Uruguay during the international break.

Frank also has no reason to alter a settled backline either, as Djed Spence settles for a place on the bench after helping England reach the 2026 World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Simons, Tel; Richarlison

> Click here to see how Aston Villa could line up for this game

No Data Analysis info

Aiming for a fifth successive win in all tournaments and a third straight victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa travel to the Lilywhites' North London home for Sunday's Premier League clash.

The Lions edged out Burnley 2-1 prior to the international break, while Spurs coincidentally bested another newly-promoted team by the same scoreline, getting the better of Leeds United.

Match preview

Sitting pretty on the podium after seven matches of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Tottenham have taken kindly to Thomas Frank's methods and are revelling in a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions heading into the visit of Villa.

The Europa League holders did not have it all their own way at Leeds' Elland Road home, but thanks to a Mohammed Kudus masterclass - where the Ghana international set up Mathys Tel before bagging one of his own - Spurs departed with a 2-1 win under their belts.

As things stand, the hosts could end the gameweek at the top of the Premier League table given that just two points separate them from Arsenal, while Liverpool sit one better off, although the Gunners can move out of sight by taking down Fulham on Saturday evening.

Frank in particular should not concern themselves with matters across the capital, though, as he has many wrongs to right on Sunday - the Dane has faced opposite number Unai Emery five times in the Premier League and is yet to beat the former Arsenal coach.

Furthermore, home failures against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley mean that Spurs have only won a measly three of their last 17 top-flight games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although their 13 top-flight goals from just 7.5 Expected Goals represents the best over-performance of any side in the Premier League.

Also eking out a slender win over a 2024-25 Championship team in gameweek seven, Aston Villa had a flying Dutchman to thank for their narrow beating of fellow claret-clad outfit Burnley, who fell victim to the Donyell Malen show in the West Midlands.

The former Arsenal prospect netted twice before a Lesley Ugochukwu consolation as Emery's men made it four wins on the spin in all competitions, having also come up trumps against Bologna, Fulham and Feyenoord since September 25.

The visitors' attacking deficiencies from the beginning of the season now seem a distant memory, but their woeful start to proceedings means that they remain in the bottom half of the standings, five points either side of the relegation zone and top four.

However, the travelling faithful have another unique reason to be optimistic ahead of Sunday's game, as the Villans are remarkably unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games coming straight after an international break, winning eight of them.

That sequence includes a 2-1 triumph on Tottenham's turf in 2023, and Emery also oversaw a 2-1 FA Cup win and 2-0 Premier League success earlier in 2025, but this exact fixture last season ended 4-1 in favour of the hosts.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Aston Villa Premier League form:

Aston Villa form (all competitions):

Team News

Having completed 45 minutes of a recent friendly against Watford, on-loan Tottenham striker Randal Kolo Muani should be given the green light to return from a thigh injury this weekend, while Kota Takai is closing in on a comeback from a foot problem too.

However, with two boosts come two blows, as Yves Bissouma - who had only just made his return from a previous issue - was stretchered off during Mali's World Cup Qualifying win over Madagascar, while Ben Davies sustained a suspected muscular injury while representing Wales.

The pair join long-term absentees Dominic Solanke (ankle), James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee) and Radu Dragusin (ACL) on the hosts' sidelines, but the latter should soon enter the final stages of his lengthy recovery.

On Villa's end, Emery was handed a scare over the international break when Ollie Watkins withdrew from the England squad with a knee issue, but there is hope that his problem was only a contact injury from a collision with the post.

Tyrone Mings (ankle) and Emiliano Buendia (head) may also be passed fit for the trip south - the same goes for Andres Garcia (unspecified) - but Youri Tielemans's calf problem will not heal for another few weeks.

Assuming Watkins is indeed passed fit, the former Brentford man will be fed by compatriot Morgan Rogers, who is aiming to set up a goal in three successive Premier League games for the first time.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Simons, Tel; Richarlison

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Malen, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Aston Villa

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The last time Tottenham and Aston Villa played out a draw in the Premier League, Alex McLeish and Harry Redknapp were in the dugouts in May 2012 - there has since been a winner and a loser in the last 20 top-flight games between the sides.

However, with the Lions on an upward trajectory and Spurs going steady under Frank, we simply cannot pick a clear winner and are backing a first stalemate in over 13 years between the two clubs.

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

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No Data Analysis info

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma could return from injury earlier than initially feared after he picked up an ankle problem on international duty.

Bissouma was left out of the UEFA Super Cup squad against Paris Saint-Germain in August due to disciplinary reasons, while a knee issue has since delayed his first Tottenham appearance of the season.

However, he was still called up for Mali's recent World Cup qualifiers, missing an away win over Chad before featuring as a subsitute in Sunday's 4-1 home victory against Madagascar.Â

Bissouma was stretchered off just minutes later after replacing Lassana Coulibaly in the second period due to an injury to his left ankle.Â

Tottenham learn Bissouma injury timescale

According to Football.London, there were initial fears that the injury setback could keep Bissouma out of action for an extended period.

However, the report claims that sources close to the Mali camp have indicated that Bissouma could be back on the pitch within two to three weeks.Â

There is a belief that Bissouma has suffered significant bruising to his ankle rather than any serious injury, although Tottenham's medical staff will conduct a full evaluation when he returns to North London.Â

Bissouma will need time to build his match fitness even when he recovers from the ankle issue, considering he has not played a competitive game for Spurs since the end of last season.

How will Bissouma injury impact Spurs?

In truth, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank will not be affected too much by Bissouma's absence, having already contended without his services in the opening two months of the season.

The Tottenham head coach can currently call upon Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall as his main central midfield options.

Bissouma will add useful depth to Frank's squad when he returns to fitness, but he is unlikely to be a regular starter unless there are other injuries to contend with.Â

In fact, the Mali international faces an uncertain future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having entered the final 12 months of his contract.

Bissouma was linked with a move away in the summer market, and the prospect of a January departure cannot be ruled out at this stage.Â

Tottenham Hotspur will aim to extend their seven-game unbeaten run when they host reinvigorated Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.Â

Thomas Frank's side have won four and drawn three of their last seven matches, leaving them third in the standings and just two points behind leaders Arsenal.Â

Meanwhile, following Aston Villa's disastrous start to the campaign, failing to win any of their first six games, they have now triumphed in all of their last four heading into this one.

Here, Sports Mole provides all of the details you need to know about how to catch Sunday's Premier League action.

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa kick off?

The Premier League clash will kick off at 2:00pm on Sunday afternoon in the UK.

Where is Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa being played?

This clash will be hosted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has been Spurs' home since April 2019.Â

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa in the UK

TV channels

Viewers in the UK can watch this game on the Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League TV channels, as part of the broadcaster's deal to show every Sunday 2:00pm kickoff this season.

Streaming

Fans can also stream the match on the Sky Sports+ app, as well as via NOW UK if they have the relevant Sky Sports subscription package on the platform.

Highlights

Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports+ app within minutes of the final whistle, and posted on the broadcaster's YouTube channel later.

Who will win Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa?

Tottenham Hotspur have made an impressive start to life under Frank, losing only one of their 10 matches under the new boss, while they are also undefeated in their last seven across all competitions.Â

In comparison, Aston Villa failed to win any of their first six games and took until matchday five of the Premier League campaign to score their first goal.Â

However, the Villans have now won all of their last four matches across all competitions, and they will be confident of making it five wins in a row on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to record back-to-back Premier League victories when they host Aston Villa in North London on Sunday afternoon.

The Lilywhites signed off prior to the international break with a 2-1 success over Leeds United, with Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus finding the net either side of the half-time whistle.

Currently four games unbeaten in the Premier League, Thomas Frank's troops are sitting in third spot, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

Randal Kolo Muani

Status:Â Doubt

Type of injury:Â Dead leg

Possible return date:Â October 19 (vs. Aston Villa)

Paris Saint-Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani has missed recent matches owing to a dead leg but returned to training over the international break, meaning that he could make his comeback appearance against Villa this weekend.

Yves Bissouma

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Yves Bissouma is yet to kick a competitive ball for Tottenham this season and picked up another injury whilst on international duty with Mali, having to be stretchered off the pitch.

Kota Takai

Status:Â Doubt

Type of injury:Â Foot

Possible return date:Â October 19 (vs. Aston Villa)

Kota Takai has returned to first-team training this month following a foot injury, one which has prevented him from playing a competitive match for his new employers.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â October 19 (vs. Aston Villa)

Recovering from a long-term knee injury, Radu Dragusin is set to be included in matchday squads imminently as he continues to gain fitness in first-team training.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Late 2025

Dejan Kulusevski has not featured at all this season as he recovers from knee surgery, with the Swede targeting to pull on a Spurs jersey before the end of the calendar year.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Summer 2026

James Maddison ruptured his ACL during Tottenham's pre-season tour of Asia, likely ruling him out for the remainder of the season and ruining his chances of going to the World Cup with England.

Dominic Solanke

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â November 1 (vs. Chelsea)

Dominic Solanke underwent surgery for an ankle issue in September, and it is currently unclear when the former Bournemouth man will make his first-team comeback.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match.

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly putting together a plan to re-sign Harry Kane next summer, with the North London club confident that they can tempt the England captain back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Kane scored 280 goals and registered 63 assists in 435 appearances for Spurs between 2009 and 2023 before making the move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023.

The 32-year-old has a remarkable scoring record for the Bundesliga giants, netting 103 times in 106 appearances, in addition to coming up with 29 assists, and he fired them to the Bundesliga title last term.

Kane's form for Bayern this season has been staggering, finding the back of the net on 18 occasions in 10 appearances, while he has also struck three times for England since the start of the campaign.

The striker has a contract at Allianz Arena until June 2027, but there have been suggestions that he could be on the move next summer, with Barcelona and Manchester United both thought to be keen.

Tottenham 'planning' 2026 move to re-sign Kane

However, according to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are planning a 'blockbuster move' for their former star striker.

When recently asked about his future plans, Kane said, as quoted by The Mirror: "In terms of staying there longer, I could definitely see that

"I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet but if they were to arise I would be willing to talk and have an honest conversation. Obviously, it depends on how the next year or so goes and what we achieve together.

"Right now, I would say we are in a fantastic moment and I am not thinking about anything else. In terms of the Premier League, I don’t know. If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back.

"Now I have been there a couple of years, I would probably say that has gone down a little bit, not so much, but I wouldn’t say I would never go back. What I have learnt in my career is that different opportunities and different timings happen and things fall in place. Going back to my first point I am fully all in with Bayern."

Kane is believed to have a release clause in his contract which decreases each year, meaning that he will be affordable in the summer of 2026, with his buy-out fee at that point potentially £56m.

Kane still has his eyes on Shearer's Premier League record

Kane is the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League with 213, with only Alan Shearer (260) ahead of him.

In theory, it might be possible for Kane to break that record within two seasons or three considering his goalscoring abilities, and the striker will be wary of time running out on his career.

As a result, a return to the Premier League next summer makes a lot of sense, especially if he lands more domestic silverware this season and also helps Bayern strongly challenge for the Champions League.

Man United are thought to be Tottenham's main competition when it comes to the striker, but the Red Devils spent heavily on Benjamin Sesko during last summer's transfer window.

The 20-time English champions would also surely have to secure a return to the Champions League for the 2026-27 campaign to stand a chance of re-signing Kane, who will be desperate to win the Premier League before he hangs up his boots.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin as a potential winter transfer target.

Sitting in third place in the Premier League table, Thomas Frank has made an impressive start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, the North Londoners are expected to remain proactive with their efforts to further strengthen the squad as they bid to remain in the Champions League qualification positions as a bare minimum.

There is an argument that central midfield is one area of the pitch that does not need bolstering with at least five options for the engine room.

Nevertheless, as per TEAMtalk, Spurs hold an interest in adding Raskin to their squad in 2026.

Spurs considering Raskin move

The report suggests that last season's Europa League winners have already expressed a desire in acquiring the services of the Belgium international.

Raskin found himself out of Russell Martin's plans at times before the Englishman's departure, but he has still made 14 appearances in all competitions.

Whoever replaces Martin may ultimately lean on the seven-cap international's qualities far more than their predecessor, yet there will seemingly be opportunities for Rangers to cash in on a player that cost just £2m in January 2023.Â

He is said to be keen to secure a transfer to a bigger club at a time when less than two years remain on his contract.

Rangers may reportedly decide to request at least £20m for the 24-year-old, who is showing signs of becoming a regular in the Belgium engine room.

During the October international break, Raskin completed the 90 minutes against both North Macedonia and Wales as his nation edged closer to sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Which other Premier League clubs want Raskin?

Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers allegedly remain admirers of Raskin, the latter realistically viewed as an outside bet due to their position in the Premier League table.

Providing that they progress to the Conference League knockout stage, Palace would be able to offer Raskin continental football.

Teams from Spain, Germany and Italy are also said to be monitoring the situation, aware that a bidding war could ensure for a player who has contributed seven goals and 18 assists from 109 appearances in all competitions.

Antoine Semenyo reportedly has a release clause in his Bournemouth contract amid growing interest in his signature.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were among those linked with Semenyo in the summer transfer window, before the Bournemouth star put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.

While he is now under contract until the summer of 2030, the Ghana international is still facing an uncertain future at the Vitality Stadium. Â

A recent report claimed that Bournemouth are bracing themselves for potential offers for one of their standout attackers in 2026.

Man United, Spurs discover Semenyo release clause truth

Man United and Spurs are still believed to be in the race for Semenyo's signature, while Liverpool are also said to be among the player's admirers.

Semenyo's potential suitors have now received a boost in their respective pursuits, with talkSPORT claiming that his Bournemouth contract contains a release clause.

However, the terms of the release clause are not public, although Andoni Iraola's side reportedly value Semenyo in excess of £75m.

The Cherries will surely be reluctant to part ways with Semenyo in the winter transfer window, although the release clause will make it tougher to keep the winger for the long term.

Why is Semenyo attracting significant interest?

Semenyo's valuation has only grown since the summer transfer window, having made an impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign.

The 25-year-old has scored six goals in Bournemouth's opening seven Premier League matches, leaving him in second place in the top-flight's scoring charts.

Semenyo has also contributed three assists, and with each performance, he bolsters his reputation as one of the league's best attackers.Â

After helping Ghana secure World Cup qualification, Semenyo will be looking to score in a third consecutive Premier League match when Bournemouth take on Crystal Palace on Saturday.Â