TipStar: Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur preview and prediction

The Europa Conference League spot is up for grabs in the Premier League top half as Unai Emery's Aston Villa host a struggling Ryan Mason-led Tottenham Hotspur side at Villa Park.

Villa are three points behind Spurs with three games to go. The match kicks off at 5 pm EAT.

Aston Villa's recent run of form has been nothing short of impressive, having secured eight victories in their last 12 matches. However, their momentum was halted by consecutive 1-0 defeats at the hands of Manchester United and Wolves, before these setbacks, Villa managed to score in 22 consecutive games. Villa's home form will give them confidence as they've scored in 13 consecutive matches at Villa Park across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been in fine form themselves, scoring in their last nine games. However, a defeat at Villa Park could be detrimental to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. Tottenham have been struggling on the road in recent months, having failed to win any of their last eight away matches since January. In six of their last eight EPL encounters, they've also conceded at least one goal.

Spurs have also only won one of their last eight matches away from North London and conceded a whopping 10 goals in their last two away matches.

Aston Villa Premier League form (Last six matches): WWDWLL

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form (Last six matches): WLLDLW

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gestures during a past match (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

Aston Villa are in good shape ahead. Matty Cash has recovered from a calf problem, with defender Diego Carlos also pushing for a start. Jed Steer is the only absentee, with Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn available to start in midfield.

For Tottenham, Hugo Lloris, Ryan Sessegnon, and Rodrigo Bentancur are all out for the season with injuries. Clement Lenglet came off late against Palace with a shoulder problem but is expected to be fit. Emerson Royal and Yves Bissouma both made rapid recoveries from surgery last weekend, and Emerson should start.

Aston Villa predicted starting XI: Martinez, Mings, Konsa, Young, Moreno, McGinn Dendoncker, Buendia Luiz; Ramsey, Watkins.

Tottenham predicted starting XI: Forster, Lenglet, Romero, Davies; Porro, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Kulusevski Son, Perisic, Harry Kane.

Key pointers:

• The last time a side managed by Unai Emery went scoreless in three matches was in the 2008/09 season.
• Villa have secured 5 straight wins at home without conceding a goal, scoring 10
• Both teams have scored in six of Tottenham's last eight Premier League away games
• Spurs have gone winless in eight successive away matches since January

STANDARD TIPSTAR PREDICTION: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

It is worth noting that even though Spurs' away form has been worrying they have scored in their last nine games, and have won seven times in a row at Villa Park. However, Emery's side will be looking for a first goal after two matches, and they most likely find the back of the net at home. We see a total of over 1.5 goals being scored, with the possibility of BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE. It should be a close affair, with Spurs possibly finding one more goal than Villa in them.