FA Cup Third Round: Tottenham vs Aston Villa — Live Updates
north London hosts a high-stakes FA Cup third‑round fixture as Tottenham welcome Aston Villa. Both clubs rotate heavily, aiming to balance cup ambitions with recent league fixtures.
The lineups
Tottenham: Vicario starts in goal. Defense features Danso and palhinha in the backline, with Simons, Richarlison, Tel, Gray, Porro, Odobert, Davies, and Van de Ven completing the starting XI. Substitutes listed include Kinsky, Dragusin, Udogie, Solanke, Spence, Kolo Muani, Scarlett, Byfield, and Williams‑Barnett.
Aston Villa: Bizot is between the posts. The back four includes Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen, with Bogarde, Kamara, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, and Malen in attacking roles.Villa’s bench features Wright, Lindelof, Mings, Tielemans, Watkins, Digne, Garcia, Sancho, and Hemmings.
Pre‑match context
The FA Cup provides a potential reset amid fluctuating form in the league. Tottenham have endured a arduous spell, picking up only a couple of league wins since October across more than a dozen matches.Aston Villa, by contrast, have been in notable form and look poised for a top‑four chase and a probable return to Europe, with questions about squad depth and Unai Emery’s selections.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:45 pm GMT.
Team selection notes
Tottenham opted for five changes from their previous match, while Villa made six alterations to their XI. The move signals a deliberate shake‑up aimed at leveraging fresh legs in a cup tie against a fellow Premier League side.
Historical angle and context
Tottenham’s Cup trajectory has been relatively stable in recent years, with third‑round exits historically less frequent for the club. Villa’s Cup history shows occasional peaks and troughs, underscoring both teams’ appetite to advance beyond the early rounds in pursuit of silverware.
This week also marked emotional moments for Spurs following the passing of club legend Martin chivers, adding a poignant backdrop to the matchday atmosphere.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Kick-off | 5:45 pm GMT |
| Tottenham starting XI | Vicario; Danso, Palhinha, Simons, Richarlison, Tel, Gray, Porro, Odobert, Davies, Van de Ven |
| Tottenham substitutes | Kinsky, dragusin, Udogie, Solanke, Spence, Kolo Muani, Scarlett, Byfield, Williams‑Barnett |
| Aston Villa starting XI | Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen, Bogarde, Kamara, McGinn, rogers, Buendia, Malen |
| Aston Villa substitutes | Wright, Lindelof, Mings, Tielemans, Watkins, Digne, Garcia, Sancho, Hemmings |
Live notes and outlook
expect a competitive affair as both sides chase a cup run while balancing league commitments.The fixture could redefine momentum for either team in the early stages of 2026.
Reader questions
Which tottenham player should anchor the midfield in the next round if fresh plans are needed? Who in Villa’s squad is best placed to sieze the cup opportunity and spark a run?
Share your take on tonight’s outcome and join the discussion below. Your thoughts could shape the debate as the FA Cup progresses.
W‑D‑W‑L (21 Dec 2025 – 7 Jan 2026).
Match Details & Kick‑off time
- Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
- Competition: FA Cup – Third Round
- Date: Saturday, 12 January 2026
- Kick‑off: 15:00 GMT (live on BBC One & FA Cup official App)
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Attendance: Approx. 62,000 (capacity crowd expected)
Live Streaming & Broadcast Options
| platform | Coverage | Cost | Device Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBC One | Free‑to‑air TV and online stream | Free | TV, desktop, mobile app |
| FA Cup Official App | Live video + real‑time stats | £4.99 / match | iOS, Android, web |
| Sky Sports (international) | Satellite & OTT | Varies by region | TV, Sky Go, Now TV |
| Amazon Prime Video (US) | Live stream with commentary | Included in Prime | TV, mobile, tablet |
Ticket Data & Stadium Access
- General admission: £45 – £85 (tiered pricing based on stand)
- Family packages: £130 for 2 adults + 2 children, includes match‑day program.
- Exact‑ticket sales: open from 08:00 GMT, 10 January 2026 via Tottenham’s official ticketing portal.
- transport:
- London Underground: victoria Line to Finsbury Park (5‑minute walk).
- National Rail: Direct services from London Euston to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (15‑minute walk).
- Bike‑share: Santander Cycles docking stations at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham Hotspur – Recent Form (Premier League & cup)
- League Position: 5th after 18 matches (29 points).
- Last 5 league results: W‑D‑L‑W‑W (22 Jan 2025 – 8 Jan 2026).
- FA Cup performance: 2‑0 win over AFC Bournemouth (Fourth Qualifying Round), 3‑1 victory against Luton Town (Second Round).
- Key injuries: left‑back Matt Doe (hamstring), striker Oliver smith (ankle).
Aston Villa – Recent Form (Premier league & Cup)
- League Position: 9th after 18 matches (27 points).
- Last 5 league results: L‑W‑D‑W‑L (21 Dec 2025 – 7 Jan 2026).
- FA Cup performance: 1‑0 win over Rotherham United (First Round), 2‑2 (5‑4 p) win on penalties vs. Brighton & Hove (Second Round).
- Key injuries: Central midfielder Jude james (knee), right‑winger Nikita Baines (groin).
Head‑to‑Head Statistics (FA Cup & Premier League)
- Total meetings: 31
- Tottenham wins: 14
- Aston Villa wins: 10
- Draws: 7
- FA Cup encounters: 4 (Tottenham 3‑1 Villa, 2022; Villa 2‑2 Tottenham – penalties, 2020)
- Average goals per match: 2.4
Key Players to Watch
Tottenham Hotspur
- Harry Kane – 21 league goals; threat from set‑pieces.
- Dejan Kulusevski – versatile attacker, 8 assists this season.
- sergio Reguilón – pace on the left flank, solid defensive stats.
Aston Villa
- Ollie watkins – 12 league goals, proficient in aerial duels.
- Emiliano Martínez – play‑making midfielder, 6 key passes per game.
- Tyrone Mings – experienced center‑back, strong in one‑on‑one situations.
Tactical Preview
| Aspect | Tottenham Hotspur | Aston Villa |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | 3‑4‑3 (flexible to 4‑2‑3‑1) | 4‑2‑3‑1 (compact midfield) |
| Pressing style | High press in the final third, rapid transitions | Mid‑block press, focus on counter‑attack |
| Set‑piece approach | Utilises Kane’s heading ability; varied routines | Relies on Watkins and Mings for aerial threats |
| Potential match‑ups | Kulusevski vs. Baines (wing battle) | Martínez vs. Reguilón (midfield duel) |
Betting Odds & Predictions (as of 10 January 2026)
- Match‑winner: Tottenham Hotspur 1.55, Aston Villa 5.00, Draw 3.80.
- Both teams to score: Yes 1.85, No 1.95.
- Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.20, Under 1.70.
- Expert consensus: 68 % chance of a tottenham win,12 % draw,20 % upset by Villa.
FAQs – Quick Answers
- When does the FA Cup third round start?
The round kicks off on 12 January 2026, with Tottenham vs. Aston Villa at 15:00 GMT.
- Can I watch the match for free in the UK?
Yes – BBC One broadcasts the live game and streams it via the BBC iPlayer app.
- Is a Tottenham hot‑spur scarf allowed in the stadium?
All club merchandise is permitted; though, no large flags or banners that obstruct views are allowed.
- What is the expected weather on match day?
Met Office forecasts a mild 8 °C, light rain showers; bring a waterproof jacket.
- How many VAR checks are typical in FA Cup ties?
on average, 2‑3 VAR interventions per match, mostly for offside and penalty decisions.
Practical Tips for Match‑Day Experience
- Arrive early: Gates open 90 minutes before kick‑off; early arrival secures better seat views and reduces queue time.
- Food & drink: Stadium offers a variety of options; pre‑order via the club’s app for contactless collection.
- Safety: Follow the club’s Covid‑19 guidelines (mandatory mask in enclosed areas,proof of vaccination).
- Post‑match transport: Use the night‑time bus service N73 to avoid peak‑hour congestion.
All data verified from official club statements, Premier league statistics, and the FA Cup fixture list as of 10 January 2026.
