The race for Champions League qualification is heating up in the Premier League with two games to go, as seven teams are still eligible to finish in the top five and secure their spot.
For Tottenham, their only hope for qualification will be through the Europa League as they sit in 17th place in the Premier League. For Aston Villa, this game is absolutely must win as they sit in 6th place, only behind 5th-placed Chelsea on goal difference.
Aston Villa vs. Tottenham predictions, picks
Aston Villa Win and Over 2.5 Goals Scored (-150)
I expect a high scoring affair in this one, with Aston Villa ultimately getting the three points. Both of these teams are prolific offensively, with Tottenham 5th in the league in goals scored (63) and Aston Villa in ninth (56). On the flip side, they both are capable of conceding goals. Tottenham have conceded the 5th most goals in the league (59), with Aston Villa at 11th (49).
This game has all the makings of an end to end basketball match. Both teams can score, and neither are elite defensively.
Tottenham have basically thrown in the towel on their Premier League season and will have their eyes set on the Europa League final. Their most recent league game was an embarrassing performance, losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace at home. They are winless in each of their last five league games, losing four of those contests.
The recent form for Aston Villa is quite the opposite, winning seven of their last eight games to put them in a position for a late season push for Champions League qualification. Just a couple of months ago, Villa were 10th in the table with only 10 matches remaining.
These teams met in February at Villa Park in the FA Cup, with Aston Villa winning 2-1. A similar result on Friday would be ideal for this bet.
In the five most recent fixtures between these two sides, Aston Villa have won three and Spurs have won two. In all five fixtures, three or more goals were scored.
Between the recent form and what’s at stake for these two teams, I can only see one result in this game. Aston Villa should win this comfortably, and hopefully with three or more goals scored in the game.
