The Emirates FA Cup third round serves up a Premier League heavyweight clash this evening as Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Managers Thomas Frank and Unai Emery have now confirmed their starting lineups and substitutes for the 10th January 2026 fixture.
Villa's Busy Schedule and Team Changes
Aston Villa make the trip to the capital for the fifth time in just four weeks, buoyed by the memory of a 2-1 league victory on the same ground in October. Manager Unai Emery has opted for significant rotation, making five changes to the side that drew 0-0 away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League last Wednesday.
Despite the changes, it remains a strong Villa selection with limited opportunities for fringe players. The most significant team news is the return of defender Pau Torres to the starting eleven, as he continues to build match fitness following a calf injury. In a further boost, centre-back Tyrone Mings has recovered from injury to take a place on the substitutes' bench. New signing Alysson, however, is not involved in the matchday squad.
Key Players and Match Context
The team sheets confirm that forward Morgan Rogers starts for Aston Villa in North London. For Spurs, Thomas Frank has also named his strongest available side as both clubs look to progress in the prestigious domestic cup competition.
This match represents a crucial test for both sides' squad depth and trophy ambitions. The FA Cup offers a clear route to silverware, adding considerable weight to this third-round encounter.
What This Means for Both Clubs
The confirmed lineups indicate both managers are taking the competition seriously, prioritising a mix of experience and key returning personnel over wholesale changes. For Villa, the return of Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings is a major positive for their defensive options moving forward.
For Tottenham, a strong performance and victory would provide momentum and underline their credentials as a team capable of challenging on multiple fronts. The stage is now set for a compelling cup tie under the lights in North London.
