Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup.
Up until this season, Tottenham Hotspur versus Aston Villa had been a Premier League fixture in every year since the division’s inception in 1992. This term however, the two clubs were relying on the FA Cup third round draw to pit them against one another.
But will the Villans perhaps feel that they could do without a game against Mauricio Pochettino’s men at White Hart Lane? HITC Sport’s James Rutherford and Michael Ramsey seem to think so…
Villa are languishing in mid-table in the Championship, but have enjoyed a much better run of form since Steve Bruce’s appointment, so will still have a huge amount of confidence that the top six is not beyond them this season.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
For that reason, the guys suggested that the cup tie with Tottenham may be something of an unwelcome additional fixture for the Midlands side.
“I think the FA Cup is a little bit of a distraction for Aston Villa. I’m sure Steve Bruce would much rather focus on trying to get them into the play-offs,” HITC Sport’s James suggested.
But Villa appear to be in with an excellent chance of having no further cup games to worry about as they face one of the most daunting trips that any side has been handed in this round.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli
Tottenham are flying high at the moment. Their 2-0 win over current Premier League leaders Chelsea has left them third in the table and on a run of five consecutive victories.
And while there are plenty of players who deserve a huge amount of credit for the run, it is Dele Alli who is taking many of the plaudits having scored seven in his last four. And James suggested that no player has impressed him quite as much as the 20-year-old has in recent times.
“I’d say Dele Alli’s maybe the best player in the Premier League right now based on form,” he added.
To find out the guys’ thoughts in full and their score predictions, simply watch the video preview at the top of the page.
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