Spursvs.Aston Villa

Despite being eliminated from the EFL Cup in midweek, the West Midlands outfit have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.

As well as starting the latest batch of fixtures in fourth position in the Premier League table, Villa have won each of their opening three fixtures in the Champions League.

By the time that they take to the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Unai Emery's side could find themselves down in sixth and playing catch-up.

Furthermore, Spurs can move to within two points of Villa, who currently occupy a Champions League qualification spot, should they prevail in North London.

However, Villa make the trip to North London full of confidence that they can continue their outstanding run in that part of the capital.

What record can be matched?

Villa have excelled on their last two trips to Spurs' home ground, prevailing on both occasions in what ultimately proved to be crucial victories in their efforts to secure places in different continental competitions.

In January 2023, Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz scored second-half goals to secure a 2-0 victory for Emery, who had only arrived at the club two months earlier.

Later last year in November, Villa defied a Giovani Lo Celso opener to record a comeback 2-1 win, Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins netting either side of half time.

Should Villa prevail on Sunday, it would represent the first time since between 1922 and 1924 that they have posted three consecutive league successes at the home of Spurs.

As far as Villa's current away record is concerned, they have already accumulated 10 points from their four such fixtures this season. Only in 2020-21 have they ever managed to win four of their first five away league games.

What trait is costing Spurs?

Despite being viewed as contenders for a top-five finish, Spurs have lost nine of their last 16 matches in the Premier League. Only Wolves (12) have lost more since that period started in April.

Meanwhile, Spurs have astonishingly conceded the first goal in 11 of their last 13 home matches in the Premier League, albeit still fighting back to win on seven occasions.

Incredibly, Spurs have recorded just two draws in their last 71 Premier League home fixtures. The current run without a stalemate stands at 23 games.