In the current championship Villana does not graze the back. The team does not show stable results, but from time to time it can deliver a sensation. In the last round Aston Villa visited Wolverhampton and, despite the skeptics’ predictions, managed to take away three points, beating hosts with a score of 1:0. Dean Smith’s team is now in 11th place in the standings, with 18 points on its balance sheet. The Birmingham club is five points behind the four leaders, but has played three matches less than its rivals. It should be noted that Aston Villa plays a little better away than at home. On the fields of rivals, they achieved four victories in five matches, but at home in the same segment they managed to win only twice. Moreover, Villane achieved home victories at the start of the championship, when they defeated Sheffield United (1:0) and unexpectedly loudly slammed the reigning champion Liverpool (7:2). After these successful results, Smith’s charges began a “black streak” in their home arena. They have already lost in three matches in a row and they are far from being the most serious opponents: Leeds (0:3), Southampton (3:4) and Brighton (1:2). The Birmingham squad has a number of serious losses. Due to the suspension, two important midfield players will miss the match: Douglas Louis and Matty Cash. Another key midfielder, Mahmoud Trezeguet, was injured and joined Bjorn Engels and Wesley in the infirmary. Questionable is the presence of Ross Barkley.
This season the Spurs seem to be seriously determined to compete for the championship awards in the Premier League. Despite a portion of criticism, Jose Mourinho continued to bend his line and it brought results. Although, his defensive tactics fail from time to time. This was the case in the last round against Crystal Palace. Having scored a goal, Tottenham tried to play reliably in defense, keeping the score, for which they paid in the 81st minute, getting a draw 1:1. They are unlikely to make dramas out of this, although the coaching staff will take into account mistakes before the upcoming match. On the road Tottenham are still one of the best teams in the championship. Spurs have never lost in six away matches, having achieved six victories. Note that away Mourinho’s wards conceded only four goals in just 12 rounds, which were delivered from the net of their goal. This is absolutely the best indicator at the moment in the Premier League. However, there are no problems with performance either. Tottenham have already scored 24 goals. More have only Liverpool (27) and Chelsea (25). The personnel losses at Tottenham are as follows. Only Erik Lamela is injured. Questionable is Gareth Bale.
