Aston Villa return to Premier League action with a tricky trip to Tottenham on Sunday, a team with similar top-four ambitions as their own.
Unai Emery’s side have been sensational at times throughout a great start to the campaign, scoring the second-most goals so far. They are on an eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, including a 3-1 success over Fulham before the international break.
A win in London would move the Villans into the top four, although Spurs will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways after losing their last two games.
Aston Villa Team News
Aston Villa have no fresh injury concerns, meaning long-term absentees Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings remain out. They could welcome back Diego Carlos for this game, though it is highly unlikely he will start.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Tottenham (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper
Emi Martinez is, of course, set to start in goal for Villa. The lanky Argentinean will need to be at his best to keep a clean sheet against a potent Spurs side.
Defence
Villa have a settled back four and Unai Emery is unlikely to tinker much, meaning Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne all start against Tottenham. Cash and Digne will be deployed as the full-backs and the two players will look to help out at both ends of the pitch.
Konsa and Torres will continue their blossoming partnership in central defence, hoping to keep a Son Heung-min-led attack quiet at the weekend.
Midfield
Boubacar Kamara will operate as the defensive midfielder, and he will look to protect the back four and break up the opposition attacks. The Frenchman is expected to partner Douglas Luiz in the double pivot. With Kamara behind, Luiz will get the license to push forward and influence Villa’s play in the final third.
John McGinn and Nicolo Zaniolo should operate as the wide midfielders, looking to tuck in when required and help in Villa’s build-up play through the middle. They will be crucial components in bringing stability and balance to Emery’s side. Youri Tielemans, who started the 3-1 win over Fulham last time out, will drop to the bench.
Attack
Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby will form Villa’s two-pronged strike force. Watkins is in red-hot form and will back himself to score against a patched-up Spurs defence. He will have assistance from Diaby, whose movement, pace and flair could cause problems for the home side.
Leon Bailey could get an opportunity to influence proceedings in the final third in the second half, and the Jamaican will be a real threat against a tiring Spurs defence.
