Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa math preview and key stats
By Joel Masibo, September 19, 2026Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa will both be looking to change their fortunes when they meet in Saturday’s, September 19, 2026 early Premier League fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Neither team has registered a league victory so far this season, leaving both Roberto De Zerbi and Unai Emery with plenty to address as the campaign reaches its fifth round.
Tottenham’s difficult start continued in midweek when they were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Liverpool. Conor Gallagher finally gave Spurs their first Premier League goal of the season with a close-range header against the Reds, but it was not enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat.
Liverpool responded through Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, sending Tottenham out of the competition and extending their winless run in all competitions to four matches.
Spurs had previously been held to a goalless draw by Everton, a result that made history as the first 0-0 Premier League fixture played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
De Zerbi’s team have collected just two points from their opening four league matches, leaving them 17th in the standings and only one point above the relegation zone. Their failure to score in their opening three league matches had already created significant frustration among supporters.
Tottenham’s record is nevertheless slightly better than Villa’s. The visitors have suffered three defeats and drawn once in their opening four league games.
Villa finally ended their scoring drought against Nottingham Forest last weekend, but the breakthrough did not lead to their first league victory. Goals from Liam Delap and Igor Jesus, either side of Alysson’s first Premier League goal, gave Forest a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.
Emery’s side did, however, restore some confidence in midweek by beating Coventry City 3-1 in the EFL Cup. Tammy Abraham was the standout performer, scoring twice to help Villa reach the fourth round.
Villa’s attacking form has improved considerably, with the team scoring seven times across their last three matches after managing only once in their first four games of the campaign.
That improvement will be important against Tottenham, especially given Villa’s recent record in this fixture. Emery’s side have won four of their last five meetings with Spurs, although Tottenham claimed a 2-1 victory in the most recent encounter in May.
Team news
Tottenham will again have to contend with several injury concerns. Sandro Tonali missed the midweek defeat to Liverpool with an unspecified knock, but he has since been cleared to feature alongside Pedro Porro, who has recovered from a muscle problem.
Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Mykhaylo Mudryk remain unavailable because of their respective injuries.
James Maddison has made consecutive substitute appearances against Everton and Liverpool and could now be considered for a more substantial role. Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, may be given a rest after playing 75 minutes against Liverpool.
Villa are set to receive a boost with Joao Gomes available again following a three-match suspension and a brief calf problem.
Brian Madjo, Pau Torres, Leon Goretzka, Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana remain sidelined. Goalkeeper Marco Bizot picked up a back problem against Coventry, but Zion Suzuki is expected to continue in goal.
Abraham’s two-goal display in the cup has strengthened his case for another start, while Johan Manzambi is pushing for his first appearance from the beginning after coming off the bench in the previous two games.
Tottenham Hotspur possible XI
Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Savio, Maddison, Marmoush; Solanke.
Aston Villa possible XI
Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Ruggeri; Kamara, Barkley; Mbaye, McGinn, Hemmings; Abraham.
Both sides arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under pressure to finally secure their first Premier League victory of the season.
Villa appear to have rediscovered some attacking rhythm following their recent cup success, while Tottenham will have the benefit of playing at home and having had an extra day’s rest.
Spurs are also likely to make changes in attack as they look to solve their scoring problems. With neither side having demonstrated enough consistency in the league so far, the contest could end with the points shared.