"Aston Villa have won 13 of their last 16 Premier League games, in a remarkable turnaround since a tricky start. With European obligations as well as fighting at the top of the league table – how will they approach this FA Cup third round tie?"
Rob Daly, official club commentator, presenter and pundit
Can Spurs stop Morgan Rogers?
Morgan Rogers has hit peak form of late and the England international, World Cup bound, scored in Villa's win in N17 back in October. In fact, he has three goals and two assists in his last four games against Spurs. The 23-year-old looks most threatening in the number 10 position, but can operate on the left when Villa play their narrow attacking midfielders behind the striker – with Unai Emery able to move Youri Tielemans into a central advanced role. Rogers floats between the lines and is extremely dangerous carrying the ball up the pitch – but can also thread a perfectly weighted pass, as he did for Ollie Watkins goal in the impressive 2-1 comeback win at Chelsea recently. Seven goals and six assists so far this season is a good return, but the question is whether he plays – and to what extent the visitors rotate, if at all, on Saturday.
How will Emery approach the game?
Upon his first day through the door at Villa, Emery said it was his dream to win the club a first major trophy since 1996. Some have had them in the title race talk, but one imagines most Villa fans are looking at consolidating a Champions League spot, having had a taste of the competition, as the more realistic objective. They’re also flying in the Europa League with five wins from six games, sitting third in the league phase table, with Lyon, Betis, Freiburg, Porto, Roma, Lille and Bologna amongst the strongest teams. Emery is Mr Europa League, as a four-time winner (three with Sevilla, one with Villarreal) – and he’ll will surely have success in his sights. But the FA Cup is a viable route to glory too, especially given they’ve already beaten the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal this season. Last year in the third round, Emery went strong for a home test with Premier League opposition, making just three changes for a 2-1 victory over West Ham. Used midweek subs, like Emi Buendia, Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen, will hope to come in.
Who starts in goal for Villa?
Aston Villa may not have goalkeeper Emi Martinez to call upon. The Argentina international came off at half-time in their midweek 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace with Emery confirming it could be 'a few days or weeks' until he’s available again due to a calf problem. Dutchman Marco Bizot came in and did well, making vital interventions to stop threatening Palace openings – replicating other impressive performances when he’s had to come in for Martinez this season. “He’s a really good guy, very good goalkeeper, he’s accepting, completely, his role and he’s performing progressively better,” explained Emery recently.
Has Tel claimed the left wing position?
A number of Spurs attacking players have been used out on the left side this season, but Mathys Tel’s showing in the 3-2 loss to Bournemouth gave further encouragement he could make it his own. His goal on five minutes was a product of the type of wide threat he can be, cutting in away from a full-back and getting a shot away. On a disappointing night, his industry and quality on the ball, especially squaring up to full-back Alex Jimenez, who he had the better of, felt like a notable positive.
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