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Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action away to Aston Villa later today, with the Lilywhites hoping to pick up where they left off last time out after having edged past Crystal Palace courtesy of a Harry Kane header.

That 1-0 victory not only ended the club's recent wretched run of four league games without a win, but has also ensured that the north London outfit still retain hope of securing a place in some form of European competition next season, albeit with a Champions League berth now looking out of reach.

Ryan Mason's men will be faced with a Villa side who have their own European ambitions this afternoon, however, with three points currently separating the two teams with the climax to the season now fast approaching.

Ahead of that mouthwatering meeting at Villa Park, Spurs have received something of a boost amid the news that Clement Lenglet could be in contention to feature despite being forced off last time out, albeit with Hugo Lloris, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ryan Sessegnon all still long-term absentees.

With that in mind, here's how Football FanCast predicts that the visitors will line up today against Unai Emery's side…

What will Tottenham's starting XI be against Villa?

There could well be just two changes from the side that saw off Palace last weekend, with the continued absence of club captain, Lloris set to see Fraser Forster retain his place in the sticks, while Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal will likely line up as part of a back three once again.

With there still some potential uncertainty over Lenglet's involvement, the South American duo may have to be joined by struggling asset Eric Dier due to the lack of alternatives, even though the £85k-per-week dud was accused of "panicking" by ex-Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas following the recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Ahead of that centre-back trio, it would appear likely that Pedro Porro and Ben Davies will remain in their respective wing-back berths, flanking the usual midfield starting pair of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.

The only further alteration could seemingly lie in the attacking ranks, with January arrival Arnaut Danjuma perhaps deserving of a chance to shine ahead of Heung-min Son, while £60m man, Richarlison, will likely feature on the opposite flank.

The forward line will, of course, be completed by the talismanic presence of Kane, with the England skipper – who boasts 26 league goals this season – having previously scored seven goals and provided four assists in just 12 meetings with the Villans.

Predicted Spurs XI – (3-4-3) – Forster; Emerson, Dier, Romero; Porro, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Davies; Danjuma, Kane, Richarlison

Everton’s Premier League survival hopes took yet another hit with a 2-2 draw against Leicester City as Sean Dyche’s men battled back to secure a point, although it may not be enough.

The Toffees took the lead at the King Power through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty after only 15 minutes and this should have given the away side a surge in confidence, however, the same old defensive failings that have occurred recently let them down.

First Caglar Soyuncu equalised with his first goal since October 2021, before Jamie Vardy netted only his third league strike this season to give the home side a lead.

James Maddison’s penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford and this could be the moment that proves crucial in the relegation battle. Alex Iowbi netted to make it 2-2 with just over half an hour left but no team could find a winner.

Dyche would have been disappointed by a fair few of his starting XI. Dwight McNeil was looking to build on his goal against Newcastle United last week, however aside from his assist for Iwobi, he made just 19 passes and missed a big chance.

It was defender Vitaliy Mykolenko who proved to be one of the worst players for the Toffees in a display that rather summed up his stay at Goodison.

How did Vitaliy Mykolenko perform for Everton?

The left-back was looked upon to link up well with McNeil on the left wing, yet the duo couldn’t exactly get anything going during the clash.

He failed to deliver an accurate cross with that rather epitomising what he's brought to Everton; a lack of attacking acumen.

That was exacerbated by no key passes and no shots as Everton looked to gain an upper hand from anywhere on the pitch.

Taking just 32 touches, he was in possession of the ball on fewer occasions than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (45 touches) while his 12 passes were also lower than the Everton stopper's, proving he was far from the required standard under Dyche.

Defensively, the £58k-per-week Ukrainian wasn’t much better, losing possession seven times throughout the match, committing two fouls, and winning just three duels from seven as Leicester took advantage of Everton’s lack of confidence at the back.

It was just a poor performance overall with this coming at a time when players should be proving that they can cut it in the team and indeed the division in order to retain their top-flight status. Unfortunately, the left-back has shown time and time again that he cannot be relied upon on a consistent basis.

Javi Gracia has given Leeds United a new lease of life since his arrival at Elland Road, with the Spaniard overseeing vital wins against Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.

The Yorkshire outfit now look to be in a better position than most in the Premier League relegation battle but it is so tight that a poor run of form could easily see Leeds drop back down the table.

Gracia's instant impact on results has been impressive but his transformation of key attackers has also been vital to the upturn in form, with Luis Sinisterra arguably enjoying his best game since joining the club on Tuesday night when he scored the winner against Forest.

However, it has arguably been the form of Jack Harrison since Gracia's appointment that has been the most eye-catching change under the former Watford boss at Elland Road.

How has Jack Harrison improved under Gracia?

Although it was a strong start to the season from the former Manchester City man, as he notched three assists and one goal in the opening three fixtures, he would then endure a barren run of form that saw him fail to register a single goal contribution in any game for the rest of 2022.

While the 26-year-old winger did manage a goal and assist in the 3-1 win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, he had a woeful record of no goals and just one assist in 15 Premier League games ahead of Marsch's sacking in February.

Gracia was appointed on February 21st and Harrison, who earns £50k-per-week at Elland Road, has been a key player for the new manager ever since then, kick-starting his and Leeds' revival with an assist in the 1-0 win over Southampton.

Other than in tough away defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal, Harrison has been a constant threat to Premier League defences recently, hitting three goals and an assist in games against Brighton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

Leeds were very close to losing the English wide man in January when Leicester City came calling, but Marsch handed the Yorkshire outfit a parting gift by ensuring that Harrison remained at Elland Road, until the end of the season at least.

Marsch said: “Listen, all I’ll say is, I really like Jack first as a person. He’s one of the most incredible people I’ve ever coached.

“We like him here. We want to keep him. He’s performing really well. I think getting him fit and healthy has been a big key. He’s got flexibility in the way he plays.”

Harrison has certainly lived up to that praise following the American's departure and if he can maintain this impressive form, then he could be a key player for Leeds in their bid for survival.

Leeds United face Nottingham Forest at Elland Road tonight in a game which has massive permutations for the Premier League relegation battle.

The 4-1 defeat against league leaders Arsenal last time out was expected, but it drags the Yorkshire outfit right back into the mire, as they currently sit 18th in the top flight, with just ten games to play.

After he was started on the bench for the trip to the Emirates, Javi Gracia must surely consider unleashing top scorer Rodrigo for the six-pointer against Steve Cooper's side this evening.

Will Rodrigo start against Nottingham Forest?

While Leeds have a better goalscoring record than most in the relegation battle, with 36 goals to their name in the Premier League so far this campaign, only one player has managed to find the back of the net on more than four occasions.

Rodrigo is by far and away the leading scorer in Gracia's squad, with 11 top-flight goals under his belt, despite him making just 21 appearances due to injury issues that kept him out of recent fixtures.

The experienced Spaniard made his return from injury as a substitute in the 2-2 draw against Brighton last month and came off the bench again in the games against Wolves and Arsenal, making the three points safe with a late goal in the 4-2 win at Molineux.

After featuring for just 25 minutes in the defeat at Arsenal, it is surely time that Gracia restored the 32-year-old to his starting side, especially as fellow strikers Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter have managed just two Premier League goals between them so far this campaign.

After the 32-year-old forward scored in the 5-2 FA Cup win against Cardiff City earlier in the season, Rodrigo was labelled a "class above" by BBC commentator Pat Nevin, and the former Valencia man has certainly proven that with his performances in the top-flight this season.

Recent reports have suggested that Leeds' main man, who earns £100k-per-week at Elland Road, could seek an exit in the summer if the Yorkshire outfit are relegated back to the Championship, so Gracia must get the best out of his Spanish compatriot if they are going to stay in the Premier League and keep him at the club.

Only Bournemouth have shipped more goals than Forest in the Premier League so far this term so Gracia must look to exploit the Reds' defensive vulnerabilities by unleashing his most consistent striker tonight, as it could inspire Leeds to a much-needed three points.

Leeds United sporting director Victor Orta could make a swift exit from the club if 49ers Enterprises complete their takeover soon, according to a new claim.

The Lowdown: Orta a success at Leeds

The 44-year-old has been a significant figure at Elland Road in recent years, overseeing what has generally been a glorious period in the Whites’ recent history.

Alongside Marcelo Bielsa, Orta helped Leeds return to the Premier League back in 2020, playing a key role in making signings and having a strong relationship with the former manager.

It feels like a time of change at the club, however, and with the 49ers looking to complete their majority takeover, Orta’s future has been thrown into doubt.

The Latest: Exit could happen soon

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, ‘major doubts’ are growing over whether or not the Spaniard will still be in his role next season, given the current takeover situation.

A full summer purchase of the club by the 49ers looks ‘increasingly likely’ and Orta has been picked out as the first senior figure likely to get the sack, given his close ties with Andrea Radrizzani.

The Verdict: Right time to leave?

While Orta has undoubtedly been a success as the Whites’ sporting director – YouTuber Joe Wainman has called him a ‘decent apple in a group of bad apples’ in the boardroom – this summer could feel like a natural time for him to move on to pastures new.

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As time has gone on, a few controversies have emerged regarding him, including sarcastically chanting ‘sack the board’ after the 4-3 win over Bournemouth, and his behaviour hasn’t always gone down well.

It looks as though 49ers Enterprises don’t see Orta as an important part of their takeover, instead deciding to bring in their own choice of sporting director, which is a decision that would have to be respected.

Should he leave, he will always be looked back on with fondness on the whole, though, being viewed as a pivotal figure in Leeds’ long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Leeds United are thought to be already considering a move for Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.

The Lowdown: Gracia in

The Whites brought in Javi Gracia on a flexible contract last month, with the Spaniard tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League.

He made a winning start at Elland Road against Southampton last weekend, a result that took Leeds out of the relegation zone.

Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises appear to be keeping an eye on the managerial market with Gracia not fixed to a long-term deal though, with Cooper a new name who appears to be of interest.

The Latest: Cooper update

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from The Daily Mail on Friday regarding Cooper.

They said that a number of Premier League clubs, including Leeds, are considering a move for the Welshman after his impressive work at the City Ground.

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Forest are currently in a better position than Leeds, so you could argue that a move to Elland Road for Cooper at this moment in time is unlikely, especially with Chelsea and Tottenham also named with a potential interest.

The 3-4-2-1 style manager has wins over Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch on his CV and has done a brilliant job for Forest, taking them from a relegation battle in the Championship to the Premier League.

Also, should Gracia keep Leeds up, you could say that he deserves the job on a full-time basis, but it seems as if Cooper’s name could be a name to keep an eye on following this update.

Arsenal are reportedly ‘very likely’ to make another move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the summer.

The Lowdown: Arsenal interested in Vlahovic

It was reported that Arsenal would make a return for the Serbian in January, having failed to sign him last year before he left Fiorentina for Juventus.

Following the injury to Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners instead opted to sign winger Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Hove Albion cover for the frontline. However, they may look to strengthen in the attacking third again this summer, especially as they look likely to qualify for the Champions League given that they are top of the Premier League table.

The Latest: Another Vlahovic move?

As quoted by Juve News, transfer expert Niccolo Ceccarini says that Arsenal are ‘very likely’ to make another move for Vlahovic in the summer.

He stated: “Arsenal had already tried to take him before the transfer to Juventus. The idea has remained and at the end of the season a new attempt is very likely. In England, however, he is not the only one, Manchester United has also started to move. In short, the situation is evolving.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Vlahovic would add some more firepower to Arsenal, and it will be needed if they want to compete for the Premier League title again next season and make an impact in the Champions League.

BBC pundit Micah Richards gave a glowing reflection of the striker upon watching him at Fiorentina, describing him as having ‘lightning’ pace and saying: “He is lightning. It’s ridiculous. He has got 16 in 18 this season. His left foot is like a wand. I am telling you now, he is everything, he is everything you need.”

Serie A journalist Siavoush Fallahi has also described the Serbian as a ‘beast’ and ‘like an animal in a cage’, in reference to his impressive physical stature.

He clearly has all of the attributes to thrive in the Premier League, and with 78 senior goals to his name for club and country combined by the age of 23, the striker still has a very high ceiling which could hopefully be reached at the Emirates Stadium.

Newcastle United are reportedly the current ‘front-runners’ to seal the signing of Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.

The Lowdown: Gallagher a wanted man

The 22-year-old was linked with a host of Premier League clubs during the January transfer window, including the Magpies, having not always been a regular for the Blues this season.

Gallagher has only managed nine starts in the league in total, with both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter often turning to other midfielders before him even despite injuries to players like N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.

While the Englishman stayed put at Chelsea beyond January, a summer move away potentially looks on the cards.

The Latest: Newcastle in pole

According to The Evening Standard, Newcastle are the current ‘front-runners’ to acquire Gallagher’s signature, especially if they qualify for the Champions League.

Crystal Palace and Everton are also mentioned as possible suitors, too.

The Verdict: Strong summer signing

Gallagher may have had a fairly frustrating season at Chelsea, only scoring once across 18 league outings, but he has shown in the past what a force he can be in the top flight in the past.

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A tally of eight league goals and two tackles per game on loan at Crystal Palace last season caught the eye, and at 22, he should only improve as a player, having been called ‘fantastic’ by Potter.

Gallagher, whose current deal expires in 2025, could give Newcastle something a little different in their midfield, proving to be a link man between defence and attack, ranking highly against other midfielders in terms of expected goals, expected assists and successful dribbles (FBRef).

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst was critical of Christian Eriksen in Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat away to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Lowdown: United beaten at Arsenal

Erik ten Hag’s side faced one of their biggest matches of the season so far, making the trip to the table-topping Gunners and looking to keep their title hopes alive.

Marcus Rashford’s stunning strike gave United the lead but Eddie Nketiah swiftly equalised with a header in what was a hugely entertaining first half.

Bukayo Saka nudged Arsenal in front after the interval before Lisandro Martinez levelled it again. Just as the two teams looked set to share the spoils, Nketiah struck again from close range late on to seal victory for the Gunners, the goal given after a VAR check.

The Latest: Eriksen criticised for goal

Taking to Twitter, Luckhurst was critical of Eriksen for his involvement in Saka’s goal.

The Manchester Evening news journalist tweeted:

“Eriksen needs to do better there and arguable De Gea could have been better set for it. Takes a step to his left a split-second before Saka hits that and it’s costly.”

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The Verdict: Slight drop-off?

Eriksen has been a brilliant signing for United since arriving last summer  – Michael Carrick has called him ‘fantastic’ – but it’s fair to say that today wasn’t his strongest performance in a Red Devils shirt, even aside from the moment that Luckhurst referenced.

According to Sofascore, the Dane had just a 71% pass completion rate against Arsenal, also failing to play a single key pass and losing the ball 18 times during a frenetic contest in north London.

Eriksen remains a key player without question – he is United’s joint-eight highest-rated performer this term as per Sofascore – but it is easy to forget that he will turn 31 next month and that midfield battles can pass him by physically, especially against such a relentless Gunners team.

Ten Hag could be wise to rotate him a little more during the second half of the season, having started him in every Premier League game since mid-October, in order to prevent him dropping off as the campaign goes on.

West Ham United have now been linked with a January move for Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino by journalist Alex Crooks.

The Lowdown: Firmino’s Liverpool career

Firmino has been a fantastic servant to Liverpool since arriving at the club from Hoffenheim in 2015, more than worth the £29m outlay that the Reds initially forked out for him, emerging as a key player in the title-winning 2019/20 Premier League season, playing in all 38 games.

However, now that he is 31, game time has started to become more limited, only completing the full 90 minutes on three occasions in the league this term, and it has now emerged that Jurgen Klopp is open to selling him, opening the door for a move to the London Stadium.

The Latest: Crooks’ update

Speaking to talkSPORT, (via CaughtOffside), West Ham insider Crooks said:

“I could see Firmino leaving, certainly in the summer, if not this month. I think there will be clubs looking at Firmino, maybe West Ham, who need firepower. Half of the Premier League would want Firmino if he became available.”

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Even though the Brazilian has only featured as a bit-part player this season, he has still managed to impress, helping himself to a very solid seven goals and three assists in 13 Premier League outings, while he has also scored twice in the Champions League.

Hailed as ‘incredible’ by Tony Cascarino back in August, the striker has proven that he still has a lot left to offer at the top level, and given that he is only 31, he is still likely to have a few more good years left in him.

Firmino has averaged 44.84 passes attempted per 90 over the past year, ranking him in 99th percentile, and highlighting that his main strength is his ability to bring his teammates into the play, so he is not a traditional striker in that sense.

He would be a very nice option for David Moyes to have though, as he is able to play deeper, to perhaps support Gianluca Scamacca.