Aston Villa v Tottenham LIVE: Spurs given boost in battle for Premier League survival as Ollie Watkins starts on bench | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi has urged Tottenham to banish negative thoughts (Reuters)

Tottenham team to take on Villa

Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha, Gallagher; Tel, Kolo Muani, Richarlison

Mike Jones3 May 2026 17:48

Aston Villa team to face Tottenham

Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; Barkley, Sancho, Rogers; Abraham

Mike Jones3 May 2026 17:47

Team news on the way...

We’ll have the team news from Villa Park for you in the next little while. Xavi Simons will not be involved after a cruel injury blow ahead of the World Cup.

Xavi Simons ruled out of World Cup as injury ends his Tottenham season

The absence of the attacker is a huge blow to Tottenham’s survival hopes

Harry Latham-Coyle3 May 2026 17:42

Glenn Hoddle reveals he offered to manage Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle has revealed he offered to take charge of the club amid their desperate fight against relegation, prior to Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment.

"They never came to us. We did, Ossie (Ardiles) and myself, after the Forest game, we felt there was a real problem there."

He added: "Ossie and I made it clear that we would go in there if they wanted us to go in there with probably a younger legend (as coach) as well."

Mike Jones3 May 2026 17:36

Glenn Hoddle reveals he offered to manage Tottenham with Ossie Ardiles before Roberto De Zerbi appointment

Roberto De Zerbi is the man tasked with steering Spurs to safety, but a pair of club legends had their eyes on the role, too. Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles were a great midfield double act – but I think Tottenham made the right call...

Hoddle reveals Spurs legends offered to manage team before De Zerbi appointment

Tottenham opted to turn to Roberto De Zerbi to try and keep them in the Premier League

Harry Latham-Coyle3 May 2026 17:30

De Zerbi can rebuild Tottenham

Unai Emery is confident that Roberto De Zerbi is the man to take Tottenham forward after two terrible seasons in the Premier League.

De Zerbi’s first task is to ensure Spurs don’t get relegated and if he achieves that Emery is backing him to impose an identity on Tottenham.

“De Zerbi has maybe the highest challenge of his career, to try and save them,” Emery explained. “With time, he’s going to build a strong team with his idea and style, making an impact.

“He did it here with Brighton and as well in Marseille. He has only coached three matches with Tottenham, and he will need time.

“The most important thing for them is to try to compete and escape from the bottom. He will get success during his time with Tottenham, I’m sure.”

(Getty)

Mike Jones3 May 2026 17:24

Unai Emery fumes over ‘crazy’ decision as Elliot Anderson escapes red card: ‘Where is VAR?’

Unai Emery was not best pleased at all by some of the officiating on Thursday, evening calling for more VAR. A rarity.

Emery fumes over ‘crazy’ decision as Anderson escapes red card: ‘Where is VAR?’

Unai Emery was furious that Elliot Anderson escaped a red card for his challenge on Ollie Watkins

Harry Latham-Coyle3 May 2026 17:18

Emery on difficult task in Premier League

More from the Aston Villa boss who explained: “When we won two weeks ago in the last minute against Sunderland, I was positive. Last week when we lost against Fulham, I was not so positive about everything we’re doing and the points we need to get fifth, fourth or third in the league.

“There are some teams behind us performing well, like Brighton for example or Chelsea with their capacity to win a lot of matches at the end of the season. We must focus on our own matches and trying to get points.

“The first one is on Sunday against Tottenham, and I am positive and delighted with how we are arriving in the moment we’re in now, playing in the semi-final with a second leg to play and in the position we are in the league.

“It’s really fantastic with the consistency we are achieving, but we still have the last challenges to play.”

Mike Jones3 May 2026 17:12

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