Aston Villa take on their most important game of the season so far as they face Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. Very much a six-pointer for finishing in the top seven, if Villa lose it could well be the end of their dreams of qualifying for Europe.
Unai Emery’s side went on a remarkable run of scoring in 20 consecutive matches and didn’t lose for 10 in a row, but two defeats in the games since have changed the mood. The Villans looked in the driving seat but are now in a tough position after losses at Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Brighton & Hove Albion, who are in seventh, are just one point ahead but have two games in hand, whereas Tottenham are three points above Villa with the same number of fixtures played. Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United look too difficult to catch.
The Villans have a fully-fit squad for the first time in a long while and that has come at the perfect moment. Emery and his team know the utmost importance of the game this weekend and will give their absolute best. With that in mind, here’s the starting XI we think Villa will go for.
1. Aston Villa predicted starting lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur
Here are the 11 players we think Unai Emery will field from the start on Saturday.
2. GK - Emi Martinez
Named as the best goalkeeper in the world by FIFA and has proven time and time again that he’s certainly up there.
3. RB - Ezri Konsa
Did a decent job when he switched to right-back against Wolves and we reckon he’ll play there again. Matty Cash has been pushing for a return but it might be too soon to start.
4. CB - Diego Carlos
Definitely sured things up for Villa when he came on at Molineux and is finally now fully match fit and ready for a spot in the XI.