---
title: "Fa Cup: Spurs v Villa Match Preview"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2017/01/07/fa-cup-spurs-v-villa-match-preview/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sheldon Muchmore"
section: "Aston Villa Match Previews"
published: "2017-01-07T14:39:42Z"
modified: "2017-01-07T14:44:32Z"
---

# Fa Cup: Spurs v Villa Match Preview

Villa’s first hurdle to overcome if they want to go an extended FA Cup run is a tricky tie away to in-form [Tottenham Hotspurs](https://readtottenham.com/) on Sunday afternoon. Therefore, they will have to be at their best if they hope to be in the pot for the fourth round.

Erik Lamella is the only injury that Spurs have at the moment, but given Pochettino’s selection policy for domestic cup ties, it is highly likely that there will be quite a few changes to the side that comfortably ended [Chelsea’s](https://readchelsea.com/) 13 match winning streak on Wednesday evening. However, this will not make Villa’s task that much easier as Spurs possess quality throughout their squad. Vorm, Sissoko, Wink and Janssen will all be hoping to be involved tomorrow afternoon.

Villa have no fresh injury concerns, but they will be missing the likes of Ayew and Kodjia as they are away on international duty at the AFCON. Jedinak has recovered from his illness and he should line up in the center of the park. Keeper, Sam Johnstone, Villa’s on-loan signing from [Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/) could make his debut for the club.

![Stephen Pond/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2017/01/505789362.jpg)

When it comes down to past fixtures, history is firmly in Spurs’ favour – they have won 8 of the last 9 meetings between the clubs; scoring 22 and only conceding 3. In fact, the last time Villa beat Spurs in their last 16 encounters was in April 2015 when Benteke scored the only goal at White Hart Lane. However, Villa have won the last two FA Cup fixtures between the sides; a 3-2 win in 1903 and a 1-0 win in 1992.

Spurs are yet to lose a game this season at White Hart Lane and they have not been beaten at home in the third round of the FA Cup since that aforementioned 1992 loss to Villa (courtesy of a Dwight York goal). Villa will be hopeful of at least getting on the score sheet as Spurs have conceded in all but one of their last 9 FA Cup games.

![Ben Radford/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2017/01/1923229.jpg)

If Villa lose this match, it will be only the second time in nine seasons that they have failed to get through to the 4th round. Villa’s away form is against them, as they have only won 2 away games (Reading and QPR) in the last 34 attempts.

Even with the changes that Spurs will make this will be a tricky game for Villa, and, if we’re being honest, most fans would be pleasantly shocked if we were to do Spurs Over. I, however, cannot see it happening, and my prediction for the match is a comfortable 3-1 win to the home side.

I’d quite happily eat some humble pie on Sunday evening, though.