Spurs host the first Premier League game of 2023 and have a good record on Villans – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

Tottenham to host Aston Villa in first Premier League clash of 2023 today.

Spurs are fifth in the table, two points behind Manchester United, after their draw on Boxing Day at Brentford.

Antonio Conte’s side have been in fine form throughout the season but will be eager to start the new year in style.

Villa, meanwhile, are 12th in the table and were well beaten by Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Unai Emery’s side are five points clear of the relegation zone and won’t want to be dragged into the fray down below.

Spurs have a fine record against Villa, winning eight of their last nine meetings.

Tottenham v Aston Villa: How to follow

This Premier League clash will take place on Sunday, January 1.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football with coverage from 1pm.

talkSPORT will also provide updates of all the action throughout the evening while talkSPORT.com will host a live blog.

To tune into talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 via the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen through the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Tottenham v Aston Villa: Team news

Richarlison remains out for Spurs but Cristian Romero is back in training following his World Cup triumph with Argentina.

But Rodrigo Bentancur is absent.

Lucas Moura and Djed Spence could return to the squad after injury and illness respectively.

For Villa, Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez is back with the team but will likely miss this game.

Jacob Ramsey is out with a hamstring problem while Diego Carlos is a long-term absentee.

Tottenham against Aston Villa: what was said?

There will be a minute of applause before kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the Premier League pays tribute to Brazilian legend Pele.

A statement read: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pelé at the age of 82.

“For many, the greatest to ever play the game, he was an extraordinary, record-breaking talent that inspired millions around the world.

“The only player to win the FIFA World Cup three times, Pelé scored for Brazil in the 1958 and 1970 finals.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Pelé’s family, friends and fans around the world. He will be deeply missed.

“As a tribute to Pelé, Premier League clubs will remember his contribution to football in the matches which take place from Friday 30 December to Sunday 1 January (Matchweek 18) by holding a minute’s applause before kick-off. Players and match officials will wear black armbands.

Tottenham v Aston Villa: Facts of the game

• Tottenham conceded the opening goal and have also conceded at least twice in each of their last six Premier League games. They last had a longer first-concentration streak in November 2010 (7 games), while they conceded 2+ goals in several consecutive league games in November 1988 (8 games).
• Tottenham have won seven of their last eight Premier League games on New Year’s Day, barring a 1-0 defeat at Southampton in 2020.
• Aston Villa have lost each of their last five Premier League games in London, conceding at least twice each time. Meanwhile, they have kept no clean sheets in their last 13 league visits to the capital, since beating Arsenal 3-0 in November 2020.
• Aston Villa have won just two of their last 21 Premier League games against Tottenham (D3 L16), although both wins in this period have been away from home (April 2015, May 2021).
• Tottenham have won 12 of their last 14 Premier League games against Aston Villa (L2), as many as they have won in their first 40 against them in the competition (D15 L13).
• None of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s 54 Premier League games have finished 0-0, with no manager supporting more games without a goalless draw (Ossie Ardiles also 54). 70% of the Spaniard’s games have seen both teams score (38/54), the highest ratio of any manager to take charge over 50 games.
• Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored in his two Premier League away games against Tottenham; only two England players have scored on three consecutive visits to Spurs in the competition – Daniel Sturridge (3 from 2011-2012) and Dion Dublin (5 from 1995-2000).
• Tottenham striker Harry Kane has scored six Premier League headed goals this season, more than any other player. It is his most goals scored in a single campaign (also six in 2017-18), while his 36 total headers are the sixth most in Premier League history.
• Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is unbeaten in his three Premier League meetings with Tottenham, winning 4-2 in December 2018, before drawing in March 2019 (1-1) and September 2019 (2-2 ).
• No player has scored more Premier League goals on New Year’s Day than Tottenham’s Harry Kane (5). He also had three assists on January 1 in the competition, earning him more goal involvements than any other matchday player (8).