Tottenham welcome Aston Villa to north London on Saturday lunchtime with both sides still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
Not exactly how either club imagined September going.
Spurs have picked up just two points from four games and, remarkably, are still waiting for their first league goal. They drew 0-0 with Everton last weekend before losing 3-1 to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
Villa have hardly been flying either. Unai Emery’s side have taken just one point from four league games. However, they finally found some goals in Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Coventry.
So, two teams without a league win and one Premier League goal between them meet just before an extended international break.
Someone could really do with winning this.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League betting tips: Matchweek 5 accumulator and predictions
What are the best betting tips for Tottenham vs Aston Villa?
Under 2.5 goals
Neither attack has given us much reason to expect fireworks.
Tottenham have somehow made it through four Premier League matches without scoring. That is 360 minutes of league football without finding the net.
It is not for a complete lack of attacking play, either. Spurs have been getting into promising areas, but their final decision has repeatedly let them down.
Villa have hardly been more convincing.
They finally ended their Premier League goal drought against Nottingham Forest last weekend, but they still lost 2-1. Before that, they failed to score against Arsenal and Hull.
Both managers desperately need a result before the break. That could make this a much more cautious game than the names on the teamsheet suggest.
Aston Villa draw no bet
Backing Villa away from home might not sound particularly appealing after one point from four league games.
Bear with us.
Spurs are struggling to turn possession and promising positions into actual chances. They are also yet to settle on a consistent starting XI under Roberto De Zerbi.
Villa, meanwhile, have at least started finding the net again. They scored against Forest before putting three past Coventry in midweek. They have also won their last two away games in all competitions.
Emery also has an excellent record against Spurs. He has won eight of his 14 meetings with Tottenham as a manager.
There is not enough here for us to confidently back an outright Villa win.
However, the draw-no-bet market gives us some protection if this turns into another frustrating afternoon for both sides.
BET £10 TODAY AND GET £30 IN FREE BETS TO USE ON THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WITH MIDNITE
Dominic Solanke 2+ shots on target
If Tottenham are finally going to score a Premier League goal, Dominic Solanke looks one of their most likely routes to it.
De Zerbi clearly rates his striker. After Tuesday’s defeat at Liverpool, he described Solanke as a “top” player while discussing the attacking quality available to him.
Spurs should also have more attacking options around him this weekend.
Pedro Porro is set to return, while James Maddison is pushing for his first league start of the campaign. Both could help Spurs create better chances around the penalty area.
Villa are missing several defensive players, including Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen. That should give Solanke opportunities, even if Tottenham’s finishing problems continue.
We don’t necessarily need him to solve Spurs’ goal drought. Just test the goalkeeper twice.
Surely that’s not asking too much.
Where can I watch Tottenham vs Aston Villa?
Tottenham vs Aston Villa kicks off at 12:30 pm BST on Saturday, September 19 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The game will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports.
What have the managers said?
Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi remains confident Tottenham are moving in the right direction despite their poor results.
After Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, the Spurs boss admitted his side are going through a difficult spell.
“It’s a tough moment, but we have to be stronger to prepare our best for the next game with Aston Villa and to find this click.”
He believes one victory could completely change the mood around his team.
“I don’t know if the click is Saturday or not, but we have to find, in Italian La Scintilla, the spark.”
Unai Emery
Emery has also called for patience after Villa’s difficult start.
The Spaniard believes his rebuilt squad still needs time to adapt after a busy summer.
“The players who joined us need some adaptation. Some are adapting quicker than others.”
He also insisted Villa have been through difficult periods before.
“In the last four years, with the success and performances we have had, we have had some days like today.”
What is Tottenham’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Kinský; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Gallagher; Sávio, Mateus Fernandes, Marmoush; Solanke.
Injured: Xavi Simons, Mykhailo Mudryk, Wilson Odobert.
Doubts: Dejan Kulusevski, Sandro Tonali.
Porro is expected to return after missing the last two games with a minor muscle problem.
What is Aston Villa’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Suzuki; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, Mings, Ruggeri; Kamara, Barkley; McGinn, Buendía, Hemmings; Nicolas Jackson.
Injured: Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, Leon Goretzka, Brian Madjo.
Doubt: João Gomes.
FotMob currently has Jackson leading the line, although Tammy Abraham has pushed himself into contention after scoring twice against Coventry in midweek.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa prediction
There is enough attacking talent on both sides for this to suddenly turn into a classic.
There has also been enough evidence over the opening four league games to suggest we probably shouldn’t hold our breath.
Spurs desperately need their first goal and Villa desperately need their first win. That could produce a nervous game where neither side wants to be the one heading into the break with another defeat.
Villa’s improvement in front of goal gives them a slight edge, but we can see the points being shared.
Score prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa
READ MORE: Premier League betting tips 2026/27: Five outright price boosts worth a look
Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
