Tottenham Hotspur face Aston Villa this Sunday in a Premier League clash that promises excitement, but injury concerns are mounting for Spurs. Manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that key midfielder Yves Bissouma will be sidelined for several weeks due to an ankle ligament injury sustained while on international duty with Mali. This is a significant blow to Tottenham's midfield stability.
However, there's good news for Spurs fans: French striker Randal Kolo Muani is in contention to make his Premier League debut after recovering from a 'dead leg' injury. Frank stated that Kolo Muani has been training well and looks increasingly sharp, offering a potential boost to Tottenham's attacking options.
Adding to Tottenham's injury woes, striker Dominic Solanke remains sidelined following minor ankle surgery last month. While Solanke is progressing well in his recovery, his absence further limits Frank's options upfront. The injury list also includes Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, and Kota Takai, presenting a real challenge for Tottenham's squad depth.
Despite these setbacks, Tottenham are enjoying a strong run of form, remaining unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. They currently sit third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Arsenal. However, Frank's record against Unai Emery's Aston Villa is less impressive, with three losses in their five league encounters.
Aston Villa, currently 13th in the table, have had a mixed start to the season but are showing signs of improvement. While they struggled to score early on, Emery's side are gradually finding their rhythm. Betting experts predict a closely contested match, potentially ending in a 1-1 draw. The prediction highlights the likelihood of both teams scoring, with Mathys Tel tipped as a possible anytime goalscorer.
Predictions Point to a Tight Game
The match is poised to be a tactical battle. Tottenham's strong form clashes with their injury crisis, while Aston Villa aim to continue their upward trajectory. The midfield battle will be crucial, and Kolo Muani's potential debut could provide a spark for Spurs. Ultimately, it will be a test of Tottenham's resilience and Villa's ability to capitalise on their opponent's vulnerabilities.
Key Match Facts:
- Bissouma out with ankle injury.
- Kolo Muani in contention for debut.
- Tottenham unbeaten in last seven.
- Frank has a poor record against Emery's Villa.