Aston Villa vs. Tottenham Hotspur Tips and Odds – 16/05/2025

• Fixture: Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur
• Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
• Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham

Match Preview

Aston Villa welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Villa Park for a Friday night Premier League showdown that carries massive implications at both ends of the table. Villa are riding high after a string of strong results, firmly in the hunt for a Champions League spot, while Tottenham’s domestic campaign has unravelled, leaving them languishing in 17th with only pride and momentum to play for before their Europa League final next week.

Villa’s recent form has been outstanding, with seven wins in their last eight league matches, including back-to-back 1-0 victories over Fulham and Bournemouth. The win at Bournemouth was particularly significant, as it secured European football for next season and saw Ollie Watkins become Villa’s all-time leading Premier League scorer. Unai Emery’s men are level on points with Chelsea and know that another win could propel them into the top five, keeping their Champions League dream alive.

In contrast, Tottenham’s season has been one to forget domestically. Ange Postecoglou’s side have won just once in their last ten league outings, suffering a 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace last weekend and collecting only one point from their last five games. The North Londoners’ focus has visibly shifted to the upcoming Europa League final, with significant squad rotation expected again at Villa Park. Spurs’ attack has sputtered, and their defence has been porous, conceding heavily in recent weeks, including a 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool and a 4-2 loss to Wolves.

Both sides are dealing with absentees. Villa will be without the suspended Jacob Ramsey (sent off last weekend) and the injured Marcus Rashford, while Youri Tielemans is a doubt but could make the squad. Tottenham have a lengthy injury list: James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Lucas Bergvall, and Dane Scarlett are all out, while Dejan Kulusevski is also sidelined after picking up a knock against Palace. Postecoglou is expected to rest key players ahead of the Europa League final, likely fielding several fringe and youth players.

Historically, Spurs have enjoyed trips to Villa Park, winning eight of their last nine league visits, but the momentum and motivation are firmly with Villa this time. The hosts have been efficient if not spectacular, grinding out results when needed, while Tottenham’s rotated lineups have struggled to find cohesion or consistency. With Villa’s home crowd behind them and so much on the line, Emery’s men are clear favourites to take all three points and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Key Players

Aston Villa

• Ollie Watkins: In red-hot form, Villa’s talisman has 16 league goals and is the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer. He’s scored in three of his last five matches and remains Villa’s biggest attacking threat.
• John McGinn: The captain’s energy and leadership have been vital in midfield, especially with Ramsey suspended and Tielemans doubtful.
• Morgan Rogers: Provides creativity and width, supporting Watkins and exploiting space against a makeshift Spurs defence.

Tottenham Hotspur

• Brennan Johnson: The Welsh winger has scored in his last two matches against Villa and is the only Spurs player to hit double figures in the league this season.
• Dominic Solanke: Spurs’ main striker in the absence of Maddison and Kulusevski, he’ll be tasked with leading the line and taking any chances that come his way.
• Guglielmo Vicario: The goalkeeper has been a rare bright spot in a tough season, often keeping the score respectable for Spurs.

Prediction

Given Villa’s imperious form, home advantage, and Tottenham’s injury crisis and focus on Europe, the hosts are overwhelming favourites. Expect Villa to dominate possession and create the better chances, with Watkins likely to add to his tally. Spurs’ rotated side may threaten on the break but are unlikely to hold out for long. Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham.

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

Villa are set to continue their charge for the Champions League, while Spurs will be hoping to avoid further embarrassment before their European final. Expect an entertaining match with plenty of attacking football and, most likely, a home win.