This weekend’s big FA Cup tie sees Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with kick-off at 5:45pm GMT (12:45pm ET).
It’s a mouthwatering all-Premier League clash in the third round, and one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.
Recent Form & Context
Tottenham are in a tough spot right now, enduring a dismal run of domestic form, with just one win in their last several games (including a recent loss to Bournemouth). Pressure is mounting on manager Thomas Frank, and this cup tie feels like a must-win to keep the season alive and calm the storm at the club. Spurs have a strong recent record in third-round ties, advancing from 18 of their last 19, but they’re facing a side that’s been their bogey team lately.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, are in excellent shape overall — they’ve only lost once in their last 14 games across all competitions and are flying high in the Premier League. Villa have won their last three meetings with Spurs (including a 2-1 league win at Tottenham in October and knocking them out of the FA Cup last season at the fourth-round stage).
They arrive as slight favourites in many previews, confident they can exploit Spurs’ leaky defence again.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Tottenham are hit hard by injuries and absences:Suspended: Cristian Romero (extra ban related to a previous red card reaction).
Injured/Doubts: Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, possible issues with Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie; Rodrigo Bentancur and others picked up knocks recently.
Unavailable: Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr (Africa Cup of Nations).
A predicted Spurs XI might look rotation-heavy: Vicario (or backup); Spence, Danso, Van de Ven, Porro; Gray, Palhinha; Simons, Tel, Richarlison; Kolo Muani.
Villa have their own concerns (Amadou Onana out with a hamstring), but the midfield remains strong with Kamara and Tielemans. Expect a competitive side featuring Ollie Watkins up top, with Morgan Rogers a threat (he’s scored and assisted against Spurs multiple times recently). Emi Martinez might be doubtful, but Unai Emery’s squad depth is impressive.
Related