Aston Villa predicted XI v Spurs as 10 changes made with Yashin Trophy winner returning

Aston Villa look to bounce back from their exit from the Carabao Cup as they travel to the capital to face Spurs in the Premier League on Sunday.

Fringe players were unable to take their opportunity after Unai Emery had made 10 changes against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Amadou Onana, Emiliano Martinez, Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and Youri Tielemans weren’t even in the match day squad, as the Villains succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.

The positive side of it was that Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings played, as they recovered from their ACL injuries. Emery’s team selection came under some scrutiny, as some portion of the fan base were keen to see Villa progress in their pursuit of a major trophy. The Spaniard defended his decision to make wholesale changes, and doubled down by saying he would play the same team.

Spurs managed to overcome Manchester City on the same night, and they will provide a tough test for Villa. Villa have won in their last two trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and will want to keep that run going ahead of their Champions League match with Club Brugge next week.

Here, with all things considered such as injuries, suspensions, and player form, is how we think Emery will line his side up against Spurs this weekend.

Aston Villa predicted XI v Spurs

GK: Emi Martinez

Joe Gauci started in midweek with Oliwier Zych acting as back-up. Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for the second straight year on Monday, and this will be his first game since picking up the award.

RB: Matty Cash

Kosta Nedeljkovic had his chance on Wednesday, but Cash will get his place back in to the side. Cash has played the last three league games since recovering from injury, and Wednesday was a chance to take the load off of him.

CB: Ezri Konsa

Konsa’s had to play right back a couple of times this season, but he’ll for sure benefit being back in his more natural position.

CB: Pau Torres

He gave a good account of himself in the Champions League in October after recovering from a mistake against Fulham. Torres will start once more as one of Emery’s favourites.

LB: Lucas Digne

One of Villa's most consistent players, and he tends to go under the radar. He has been booked three times out of his last four games, and so he needs to be careful as two more cautions would see him serve a suspension.

CM: Amadou Onana

One of five players who didn’t even make the match day squad on Wednesday. He’ll feel reenergised from having that break in midweek. He’s been a solid addition to the squad since joining from Everton.

CM: Youri Tielemans

Like Onana, Tielemans was rested in midweek. Tielemans has built up a strong partnership with Onana, and so expect to see those two line up in the centre of the park on Sunday.

RM: John McGinn

McGinn was the only player from the game against Bournemouth that started against Spurs. It’s likely he’ll start once again, given he’s the captain of the team.

LM: Jacob Ramsey

Looks to have overcome his injury worries now. A consistent run of games will do him the world of good.

CF: Morgan Rogers

It’s come out this week that Villa are hoping to get Rogers tied down to a new deal. He only joined in the January transfer window, but he’s made a big impact on the side this season.

ST: Ollie Watkins

One of the undroppables... Watkins is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and he has to start every game that he is available.