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As football fans eagerly anticipate the FA Cup fourth round clash, Aston Villa will face Tottenham Hotspur in an all-Premier League showdown at Villa Park. Set to kick off on February 9, 2025, at 12:35 p.m. ET (5:35 p.m. GMT), the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams, each keen on making a strong statement in this prestigious tournament.
After a tough week for Tottenham, struggling with a heavy defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final, the pressure is on manager Ange Postecoglou to rally his squad for this critical FA Cup match. The Spurs are coming off a narrow victory over Tamworth in the previous round, but with injuries plaguing the squad, fan expectations are tempered. Can they bounce back and put on a performance worthy of their storied history in this competition?
Aston Villa, on the other hand, has had a more restful preparation, enjoying a week off ahead of this encounter. They are also bolstered by January reinforcements that could prove pivotal. Notably, they’ll be without their star player Ollie Watkins, but Donyell Malen and Morgan Rogers are set to take the lead in the attacking front. It’s crucial for Villa to capitalize on their fresher legs and home advantage at Villa Park.
As the teams prepare to meet, let's take a closer look at what to expect:
Match Lineups
The expected lineups for both clubs offer insights into their strategies and formation preferences. Here’s how each team is likely to set up:
Aston Villa (4-2-2-2)
- Goalkeeper: Martinez
- Defenders: Garcia, Konsa, Kamara, Digne
- Midfielders: McGinn, Tielemans; Bailey, Ramsey
- Forwards: Malen, Rogers
- Substitutes: Olsen, Zych, Maatsen, Bogarde, Asensio, Rashford, Jimoh-Aloba
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Kinsky
- Defenders: Pedro Porro, Danso, Gray, Spence
- Midfielders: Bergvall, Bentancur
- Forwards: Moore, Kulusevski, Son; Mathys Tel
- Substitutes: Austin, Forster, Davies, Reguilon, Hardy, Cassanova, Bissouma, Sarr, Ajayi
How to Watch
Unfortunately for US viewers, the match won't be televised, but UK viewers can catch it live on BBC One. For those seeking streaming options, ESPN+ will provide coverage.
Match Expectations
This encounter carries significant weight not only for the clubs involved but also for their passionate fanbases. With both teams having a rich history in the FA Cup, it’s a tournament that means much to each club, with the last victories in the competition being in 1957 for Villa and 1991 for Spurs. The opportunity to claim the trophy again is a strong motivating factor.
Fans can expect a thrilling contest with attacking football, as each team will aim to assert dominance early on. With Villa fresh and Spurs looking to shake off their recent disappointments, the match promises to be a gripping encounter.
As we gear up for this exciting clash, all eyes will be on Villa Park. Will Aston Villa capitalize on their home advantage and send Tottenham packing, or will Spurs find a way to redeem themselves and progress in the FA Cup? Only time will tell!
Join the conversation: How do you think the match will unfold? Share your thoughts!
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