The Emirates FA Cup returns with a blockbuster Premier League clash this weekend as Aston Villa make the trip to the capital to face Tottenham Hotspur. The third-round tie promises high drama under the lights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Kick-Off Time and Broadcast Details
The match is scheduled for a 5.45pm UK time kick-off on Saturday. This evening slot allows the fixture to be broadcast live across the nation, avoiding the traditional Saturday 3pm television blackout observed in English football.
In a notable arrangement for the third round, this high-profile tie has been selected for dual broadcast. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the action for free on BBC One. Simultaneously, the match will be shown on TNT Sports 1, fulfilling the shared rights agreement for the competition.
How to Stream the Match Live
For those preferring to stream, several digital options are available. The game can be watched live via the BBC iPlayer app and the BBC Sport website at no cost. Subscribers to TNT Sports can access the coverage through the discovery+ application on a wide range of supported devices, including smart TVs, phones, and tablets.
Fans based outside the UK will need to check their local broadcast listings. The match will be available internationally through official partners, such as ESPN+ for viewers in the United States, with the 5.45pm GMT start time converted to local schedules.
Team News and Post-Match Coverage
Both sides face significant squad challenges. Aston Villa will be without striker Evann Guessand, who is on international duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations. Injuries are also likely to sideline key midfielders Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley.
Tottenham's selection issues are equally pronounced. Winger Mohammed Kudus joins James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski on the injury list. Furthermore, the club has lost the services of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, who are also competing at AFCON.
If you miss the live action, extended highlights will be featured on BBC One's Match of the Day programme on Saturday night. Shorter highlight packages will be promptly uploaded to the official FA Cup and both clubs' YouTube channels after the final whistle blows in North London.
