A high-profile all-Premier League clash takes centre stage in the FA Cup third round on Saturday as an under-fire Tottenham Hotspur host high-flying Aston Villa in North London.
Spurs manager Thomas Frank finds himself under significant pressure after a demoralising 3-2 midweek loss to Bournemouth left the club languishing in 14th place. Facing an Aston Villa side that has already beaten them 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, Frank must find a way to navigate a mounting injury crisis to avoid a toxic atmosphere at home. Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s men arrive seeking to cement their status as trophy-contending heavyweights, looking for their fourth consecutive victory over Spurs in all competitions.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa – FA Cup Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Referee: Craig Pawson
- Last Meeting: Tottenham 1–2 Aston Villa, 19 October 2025, Premier League
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
The Lilywhites are decimated by injuries. Mohammed Kudus is out until late March with a thigh issue, joining James Maddison (ACL), Dominic Solanke (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), and Destiny Udogie (hamstring) in the treatment room. Further complicating selection, Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) limped off during the Bournemouth defeat and is unlikely to feature. Thomas Frank may hand a rare start to backup goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
Aston Villa
Villa remain without midfielders Amadou Onana (thigh) and Ross Barkley (knee), while Evann Guessand is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, the defence is bolstered by the potential return of Pau Torres, who is closing in on fitness alongside Tyrone Mings. Morgan Rogers, who has a prolific record against Spurs, is expected to lead the attack alongside Donyell Malen.
Form
Tottenham Hotspur
Thomas Frank is still searching for his first win of the new calendar year following a draw and a loss in his opening two matches. The club’s league form has been wretched, with just two wins in their last 12 outings. However, Spurs can take comfort from their historic cup pedigree, having progressed from 18 of their last 19 FA Cup third-round ties.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last two matches and arrive in North London on a three-match winning streak against Tottenham. Unai Emery has turned the Villans into a dominant force, even away from home, as they look to replicate last season’s 2-1 cup win over Spurs. Notably, Morgan Rogers has five goal involvements in just four games against Tottenham (3 goals, 2 assists).
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Kinsky; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro; Gray, Palhinha; Simons, Tel, Richarlison; Kolo Muani
Aston Villa predicted XI: Bizot; Garcia, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Sancho; Malen
How to Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, with coverage starting at 17:00 GMT ahead of the 17:45 GMT kick-off.
Read more- Five of the biggest FA Cup third round upsets
See Also- Premier League Team of the Week – Berge, Barnes, Thiago
