Tottenham vs. Aston Villa Is an Early FA Cup Treat | OneFootball

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 10 @ 12:45pm ET/6:45pm GMT. Streaming on ESPN+

In a repeat of last year’s FA Cup Fourth Round fixture, Tottenham take on Aston Villa at the beginning of both sides’ pursuit of a trophy. Last season Villa beat Spurs 2-1 thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey before Mathys Tel struck a late consolation after 90 minutes.

The two teams come into the match in very different circumstances. Unai Emery’s men have been flying this season, sitting third in the table compared to Spurs who have been struggling so far under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham’s quest for a trophy

Spurs are in 14th, eight points off top four and without a win in their last three matches may find their best opportunity for success this season in the FA Cup.

Last season, under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs reached the League Cup semi-final stage and won the Europa League despite finishing in 17th place.

In the EFL Cup last year Spurs saw off Manchester United, Manchester City and beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-final, which could indicate that in one off games Spurs have the potential to beat the best.

Current Spurs boss Frank spoke about the opportunity that the FA Cup presents to his side and not their slide down the table amid a wretched Premier League run.

“The thing we need to look at is the game on Saturday,” he said. “FA Cup, good opportunity against Villa. They are a very good team who is flying at this moment of time but a good opportunity to progress in the FA Cup, a tournament that is very important for the club and the fans. We’ve won it eight times in our history and I am working hard with the staff, with the players, with the leadership and this is just a tough spell. We will get through this.”

Aston Villa’s year?

Unai Emery’s side have won 12 of their last 14 games in all competitions and beat Spurs 2-1 the last time the sides faced each other in the Premier League through goals from Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendía.

It has been 30 years since Villa won their last major trophy when they beat Leeds 3-0 in the EFL Cup final. However, this year they could change that.

Having beaten Arsenal, Spurs, Manchester City and Chelsea this season, Villa have proven that they can compete with the best in the league. Alongside their involvement in the Europa League, this could be a major chance for them to end their trophy drought.

Emery explained the importance of his side performing in the FA Cup this season.

“Premier League, Europa League, when we played Carabao Cup, and now playing in the FA Cup, each match, I have the responsibility,” he said. “By that, I mean the responsibility for the club’s history, for the supporters, and for our challenges we have as a professional.”