Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as they look to continue a decent run of form which has seen them go five matches unbeaten in all competitions, the latest result being a 2-1 win over Leeds United a fortnight ago.
Villa have beaten Spurs in their last two meetings, and will be a tough nut to crack owing to a four-match winning streak coming into this game. With that in mind, Thomas Frank will be expected to deploy his best starting eleven including his key players.
Here is a look at how the hosts might line-up for the game this afternoon.
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is expected to retain his spot in between the sticks.
Defenders – Pedro Porro is having a fairly good season and might be handed a start at right back, whereas there could be a change on the other side of defence with Djed Spence potentially replacing Destiny Udogie at left back.
Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, meanwhile, are expected to continue as the central defenders.
Sarr and Richarlison could start
Midfielders – Pape Mata Sarr came off the bench for Tottenham Hotspur in the last match but might return to the starting eleven this time around, possibly featuring in the double pivot alongside Joao Palhinha, whereas Rodrigo Bentancur might be on the bench in spite of resting over the international break.
The team’s attacking midfielder is likely to be Mathys Tel, whereas Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons are likely to continue on the right and left flanks, respectively.
Forward – Richarlison has been in fine form this season and owing to Dominic Solanke’s absence due to injury, the Brazilian international might return to the team as the leader of Spurs’ line.
Here is how Tottenham are likely to look on paper.