Premier League: Top-four showdown in the capital

Two teams looking to secure a top-four finish go head-to-head on Monday morning as Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa in the Premier League.

It’s hard to know which Tottenham side will show up in this one, as Spurs have been far from consistent in recent weeks.

From impressing to beat rivals West Ham United 4-1 in the Premier League followed by a 1-0 triumph over AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League, Spurs then handed Crystal Palace their first league win of the campaign.

Looking for a response after that defeat to the Eagles, Ange Postecoglou’s side then went on to knock Manchester City out of the EFL Cup in midweek.

The Aussie tactician will be eager to see his Tottenham side find that much-needed consistency and an opportunity for a big win over a fellow top-four contender presents itself on Monday when Villa come to town.

. What: Tottenham v Aston Villa
. Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
. When: 00:00 Monday 4th November
. How to watch: Optus Sport
. Odds: Tottenham 1.90, Draw 4.00, Aston Villa 3.60

A must-not-lose clash for Spurs

With five points between themselves in eighth place and Villa in fourth, this is really a must-not-lose game for Postecoglou’s men.

The battle for a top-four finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League is getting harder by the year, with so many teams competing for that fourth spot.

Most would agree the top three will again be occupied by Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool in one order or another, so there is set to be an almighty battle for the coveted fourth spot.

Spurs, along with the likes of Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Manchester United and even Brighton all have the goal of earning a place in the UEFA Champions League for next season.

That’s what makes Monday’s six-pointer between Spurs and Villa all the more important.

Tottenham beat Villa 4-0 in Birmingham in their last meeting in March and the Lilywhites are available at 1.90 to claim the three points this time around.

Villa won’t fear capital trip

Unai Emery’s Villa have enjoyed their most recent visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, winning on their last two Premier League visits to the home of the Lilywhites.

Villa have won three of their last four games against Spurs in north London and they are 3.60 to come away from the capital with the three points on Monday.

Ollie Watkins has certainly enjoyed playing in the lavish surroundings of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the England striker finding the back of the net in three of Villa’s last four games there.

Watkins is 2.60 in the anytime goalscorer market to score on Monday, while the former Brentford striker is 6.50 to bag the opening goal of the game.