Key events
There has not been a draw in 21 previous league meetings between these sides, stretching back 14 years: the second-longest such run in Premier League history, points out the presenter Lynsey Hipgrave.
“Tottenham have got to be strong and bold,” says Glenn Hoddle on pundit duty for TNT Sports, adding that he is surprised at all the Villa changes having lost their last two games.
Team news
Seven changes for Villa: Tyrone Mings, Victor Lindelof, Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, Lamare Bogarde, Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho all come in, with Emery managing resources before the Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest on Thursday. John McGinn is not in the squad.
Four changes for Spurs: Destiny Udogie, João Palinha, Richarlison, Mathys Tel are introduced by De Zerbi, Palinha having scored the winner against Wolves last time out.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Maatsen, Bogarde, Tielemans, Sancho, Barkley, Rogers, Abraham. Substitutes: Bizot, Buendia, Watkins, Digne, Torres, Garcia, Douglas Luiz, Bailey, Konsa.
Tottenham Hotspur: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Joao Palhinha, Muani, Gallagher, Tel, Richarlison. Substitutes: Austin, Dragusin, Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall,Spence, Sarr, Souza.
Referee: Sam Barrott (West Yorkshire)
Preamble
Relegation, for a club of Tottenham’s stature, is unthinkable. At least it should be given their resources, history and stature. But a deeply horrible season sees them teetering in 18th place, the third and final relegation spot, with four matches remaining.
It’s not all bad news: since taking over from the sacked Igor Tudor – who took over from the sacked Thomas Frank – Roberto de Zerbi has managed to generate four points from the past two matches, having opened his tenure with a 1-0 loss away against Sunderland.
Even better, perhaps, is that West Ham crumbled to a 3-0 loss away at Brentford yesterday, meaning Spurs can overtake the Hammers and climb out of the relegation zone with victory at Aston Villa this evening.
Easier said than done against Unai Emery’s fifth-placed Villans, who are well on course for Champions League qualification, but De Zerbi has undoubtedly made a positive impact. Spurs fans will be praying for another uptick.
Kick-off: 7pm BST