Predicting Unai Emery’s Aston Villa lineup to take on Tottenham Hotspur away in the FA Cup.
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Aston Villa shift their attention to the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday evening as they take on fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur away in the third round.
The Villans, in London for a fourth time in the last fortnight, will be eager to get back to winning ways following midweek’s frustrating 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace. Emery was furious after that result, both with his team for their inability to take their chances and the referees for failing to
As much as Wednesday took its toll on Emery emotionally, his focus will have quickly moved to Villa’s next game – and it’s an important one. The Premier League might well remain the priority - and rightfully so - but there’s a feeling that Villa need to win a trophy sooner rather than later. The more competitions they are in, the better.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Spurs
Villa are likely to rotate a little in north London, but perhaps not quite to the extent they would if they were facing a lower-league opposition. With that in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
GK - Marco Bizot: Emery tends to give his backup goalkeepers run outs in the cup competitions and Bizot is deserving of the opportunity. Emiliano Martinez could also do with a rest after feeling his ongoing back problem against Palace.
RB - Andres Garcia: Opportunities for the Spaniard have been few and far between, so perhaps Emery will decide to give him a go. Both Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa need to recuperate some energy, so it makes sense.
CB - Victor Lindelof: Getting his career back on track, Lindelof has thrived slightly out of position as a left centre-half. He could have the chance to play on his preferred right foot now Emery has more options available on the opposite side.
CB - Pau Torres: Back on the bench midweek following a spell on the sidelines through injury, Pau could get an hour or so as he builds his way back to full fitness. Tyrone Mings could be back soon, so Pau needs to get up to speed first for his own benefit.
LB - Ian Maatsen: Emery has chopped and changed between Maatsen and Digne this season. It’s basically a coin toss at this point as to who will start each game. In this case, Maatsen may get the nod thanks to his pace.
CDM - Lamare Bogarde: Proving to be a brilliant utility option, Bogarde’s versatility can be tapped into at the base of midfield to give Youri Tielemans and John McGinn a day off.
CDM - Boubacar Kamara: Another who has a chance of being rested, Kamara might end up being benched – but we feel his presence is irreplaceable. Spurs away is far from an easy game and Kamara starting gives Villa a much better chance of winning.
CAM - Emiliano Buendia: If Tielemans and McGinn are on the bench, Buendia is likely to start just in behind the striker. The Argentine was Villa’s surprise package at the start of the campaign after nearly being sold in the summer.
RW - Jadon Sancho: It may be a little bold to start Sancho once again after a lacklustre display at Palace but he needs confidence if he’s going to succeed. A start in the cup offers another opportunity to improve.
LW - Morgan Rogers: Undroppable when available, Rogers is bound to start again. Every time we suggested the England international was rested last season, Emery would keep him in the XI. New signing Alysson, meanwhile, will probably make his debut as a substitute.
ST - Donyell Malen: The Dutchman is likely to rotate in for Ollie Watkins. Malen thrives making runs in behind and Villa could do with his pace against the speedy Micky van de Ven.