View: Unlikely Tottenham star could hold key to victory vs Aston Villa after stat reveal

Joao Palhinha could be the difference for Tottenham Hotspur ahead of their clash with Aston Villa.

Each of the next four games is a cup final for Tottenham, who will know of the potential repercussions should they lose even one of them.

They remain two points from safety, and a defeat against Villa could see that gap widen to five points depending on results elsewhere.

Unai Emery’s side still have work to do to ensure their spot in the Champions League next season, and to do that, they will look to make use of the strengths that have got them in their current position

And for Tottenham, Palhinha, who scored the winner against Wolves, may hold the answer to preventing it.

Tottenham midfield could be crucial to victory

Villa have several players who can cause problems for any team on their day, though Morgan Rogers is certainly up there as the most dangerous.

The 23-year-old has 14 goal involvements in the Premier League this season, with the majority of them having come through the middle, which is where Villa pose the most threat.

Emery’s side have created 36.9% of their chances through the middle of the pitch, which is the fourth-highest in the top flight this season, albeit with Tottenham not far behind them in fifth.

And for Tottenham, the lack of control they have had in the centre of the pitch will be a concern when taking that into account, but Palhinha’s inclusion could change that.

As showcased by his 98 tackles this season, which places him among the top 2.5 per cent of Premier League midfielders, he has what it takes to break play down and prevent the threat from getting too close to Tottenham’s goal.

Aston Villa vs Tottenham result predicted by supercomputer

Given the gap between the two sides in the table, it will come as no surprise to learn that the hosts are favourites for Sunday’s game.

Via Opta, Emery’s side have a 61.5 per cent chance of victory, while Spurs have just an 18.2 per cent likelihood of taking all three points.

Of all the teams in action this weekend, only Burnley and Fulham have a lower chance of victory.

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