Neither of these backlines can be trusted at the moment to see out a game for 90 minutes without a few clear cut chances for the opposition. Aston Villa have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 5 games across all competitions, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of these fixtures.

Tottenham have seen BTTS in 2 of their last 5 games across all competitions but their games are far more entertaining than this record suggests, Tottenham have seen 85 goals across their 24 Premier League games this campaign (3.54 per game), this record shows that Tottenham match the opposition when it comes to goalscoring but are far too porous at the back which has seen BTTS land in 15 of their 24 Premier League games this season (62.5%).

BTTS landed in the meeting in the Premier League between these sides which Tottenham won 4-1. Both sides posted an xG in excess of 1.0 (2.44-1.86) with 7 big chances created in the game, reaffirming the fact that neither of these backlines are rock solid and can be exposed with the attacking talent on show which should produce an exciting end-to-end encounter.

Watkins has managed 28 shots on target across his 24 Premier League appearances this campaign (1.53 per 90) resulting in 10 goals for the 29-year-old who is crucial to Aston Villa, especially since the departure of Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia leaving Unai Emery a little light for choice upfront.

Watkins has had a shot on target in 4 of his last 5 appearances across all competitions with the exception coming against Wolves last time out where he was replaced after 45 minutes with a small knock but Unai Emery has confirmed he’ll be eligible for this 1. Watkins’ replacement in that game in Donyell Malen came on to find the target twice, rendering this selection a winner with Paddy Power Super Sub in that particular game.

Watkins has committed at least 1 foul in 4 of his last 5 appearances across all competitions with the exception coming a few weeks ago in Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, meaning that the 29-year-old has sinned at least once in each of his last 4 games.

He’s averaging 1.25 fouls committed per 90 across his 24 Premier League appearances this campaign, a record that is largely informed by his duels with opposition centre backs. Watkins is not in the usual mould of a centre forward, he isn’t the most physically dominant in challenges and instead gets his success through his elite movement and speed when running in behind opposition backlines. Due to this, he can struggle when the balls through to him aren’t in space or are directly in a duel with a centre back.

Watkins committed 2 fouls in the league meeting between these sides, contesting 15 duels in total. He’ll be up against Tottenham’s new signing Kevin Danso who was fouled once in Tottenham’s EFL Cup exit to Liverpool last time out and averaged 0.92 fouls won per 90 across his 12 Ligue 1 appearances.

Tottenham were shown 2 yellow cards in the Premier League meeting between these sides after committing 14 fouls – a total that was matched by Villa in a feisty encounter which could have easily produced more cautions.

That game will still be in the memory of both of these sets of players, originating from a reckless challenge by Matty Cash last season. This should result in Anthony Taylor having to be eagle-eyed and produce a few more cautions than his usual 3.79 per game this season.

Tottenham have collected 44 yellow cards across their 24 Premier League games this season (1.83 per game), this is a total we can expect to see rise with Tottenham being away from home and the context of this tie which still has some unresolved tension from the league meeting.

John McGinn is 1 of the most effective players in the Premier League at using his body to shield the ball, this is a trait that is reflected in his fouls won numbers this season. McGinn is averaging 2.70 fouls won per 90 across his 20 Premier League appearances this season.

McGinn was right at the centre of the battle that took place between these sides in the league meeting in North London earlier in the season. He committed 2 fouls and was fouled 2 times, contesting 13 duels in total during his 80 minutes on the pitch. He should be just as involved here with Tottenham lining up with a midfield 3 that will have no choice but to bring down McGinn with how effective he is at winning fouls.

McGinn was fouled 3 times in Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves last time out, his minutes have been managed since returning from injury but his ability to win fouls shouldn’t be too impacted with such a standout record across the season as a whole.

Porro has won 21 fouls across his 24 Premier League appearances this season (0.95 per 90). This record is down to how forward-thinking the full back is, something he’s frequently given licence to do by Ange Postecoglou and something that was so effective in the early parts of the Australian’s reign.

Porro was fouled once in the league meeting between these sides and will be up against Jacob Ramsey and Lucas Digne when he pushes up into more attacking areas. Combined, the pair are averaging 1.58 fouls committed per 90 in the Premier League this season so Porro will have some obstacles in his way if he wants to maintain these positions in the final third.

Porro has been fouled at least once in 4 of his last 5 Premier League appearances and can continue that streak here with the full back likely to push into advanced areas of the pitch yet again.

Tottenham’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool has heaped further pressure on Postecoglou, despite the injuries that Tottenham are struggling with at the moment – that performance was reflective of a side that is lacking leadership and direction, even before analysing the tactical issues with the performance.

Aston Villa are very difficult to beat at home, they’ve lost just 1 of their 12 games at Villa Park this season scoring 20 goals and conceding 14. 5 of these games have been draws which is more than Unai Emery would like but it still reflects how tough a place Villa Park is to go to and get a result.

Tottenham are in a very low moment and whilst Aston Villa haven’t exactly been flying in recent weeks, the depth they’ve added in January could really make the difference here against a Tottenham side struggling to even put an 11 on the pitch with their absences. Aston Villa can take advantage of a low on confidence and disorganised Spurs backline to win this encounter by 2 clear goals or more.

Aston Villa are pretty prolific in this department on home ground, Unai Emery’s side are averaging 7.67 corners per game in the Premier League at Villa Park this campaign and are conceding just 3.08 corners against them at Villa Park this season. Only Arsenal and Manchester City are conceding fewer corners on home territory than Aston Villa in the Premier League this season.

Tottenham’s away record when it comes to corners isn’t as convincing with Ange Posetecoglou’s side averaging 6.83 corner kicks across their 12 Premier League away meetings this season whilst conceding 5.58. This shows that whilst Tottenham can rack up the corner count themselves, they aren’t so effective in limiting the number that the opposition win on the road.