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Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham has put his name in the hat for a start in Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

The former Chelsea attacker has played second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson in the top-flight campaign so far but took his opportunity in midweek, scoring a brace in a 3-1 EFL Cup win at Coventry City.

Abraham also replaced the ineffective Jackson at half time in last weekend's 2-1 Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest, and as long as he is not carrying midweek fatigue, the Englishman should be in contention to lead the line on Saturday.

As both Ibrahim Mbaye and George Hemmings provided assists on Wednesday, Unai Emery should also stick rather than twist out wide, while John McGinn is a first XI mainstay.

The Scotland international could drop deeper if Emery feels that Johan Manzambi is ready for a starting role, but the summer signing is likely to be kept in reserve, thanks to Ross Barkley's goal and assist in midweek.

The visiting boss should still make one midfield alteration, though, as Boubacar Kamara steps in for Lamare Bogarde, although Joao Gomes is another option after completing a three-game suspension.

Matty Cash and Victor Lindelof are also expected to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Taylor Harwood-Bellis in a double defensive change, while Zion Suzuki takes the gloves back from Marco Bizot, who came off at half time against Coventry with a back problem.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Ruggeri; Kamara, Barkley; Mbaye, McGinn, Hemmings; Abraham

Tottenham Hotspur playmaker James Maddison could come into consideration for a starting role in Saturday's Premier League battle with Aston Villa in North London.

The England international has made back-to-back substitute appearances in the top flight and EFL Cup since recovering from a shoulder problem and showed promising signs in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Liverpool.

During his 15-minute Anfield cameo, Maddison fired two shots on target and was sharp with his passing, misplacing just one of his 11 balls to teammates.

Therefore, in spite of Conor Gallagher heading home Tottenham's first goal against top-flight opposition this season, the ex-Chelsea man could make way for Maddison, whose absence has been sorely felt by a Spurs side who netted zero goals in their first four top-flight matches of the campaign.

Maddison ought to join Dominic Solanke, Savio and Omar Marmoush in attack, the latter operating from a left-wing role in place of Mathys Tel after almost scoring from such a position on Tuesday; only a strong save from Giorgi Mamardashvili denied him.

With Sandro Tonali nursing a knock, Mateus Fernandes and Roberto De Zerbi favourite Rodrigo Bentancur should form the double pivot, in front of a much-changed backline from midweek.

Archie Gray is likely to be retained at right-back due to Pedro Porro's muscular problem, but Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Antonin Kinsky should expect recalls.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Bentancur; Savio, Maddison, Marmoush; Solanke

Tottenham Hotspur have dropped a major hint that Dejan Kulusevski could be nearing a return after naming him in their final 25-man Premier League squad.

The Sweden international has not played for Spurs since the 2025 Europa League final due to a persistent knee problem.

Roberto De Zerbi has previously urged caution over his comeback, but his inclusion suggests the winger remains part of Tottenham's plans for the season.

Spurs reveal final 25-man Premier League squad

© Iconsport / Paul Marriott, Alamy Live News

Kulusevski has been included in Spurs' final Premier League squad despite not featuring for the club in nearly 18 months.

The 25-year-old has endured a serious and persistent kneecap problem, which ruled him out throughout last season under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and Ange Postecoglou.

However, Kulusevski has recently been seen training at Hotspur Way as he slowly works towards a return.

De Zerbi has repeatedly stressed that Spurs will not rush him, although his place in the squad is an encouraging development.

Mohammed Kudus has also been included after recovering from a troublesome thigh injury.

The former West Ham man made his comeback from the bench during the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United and could provide another option on the right following Mikey Moore's loan departure.

Richarlison was absent from the squad, with De Zerbi previously confirming that the Brazilian wants to leave the north London outfit.

Does Dejan Kulusevski have a future at Spurs?

© Imago

On this news, it certainly appears that Kulusevski could be given a new lease of life under De Zerbi.

His inclusion in the Premier League squad suggests the Italian still sees a role for him despite the lengthy absence, although Spurs will need to manage his return carefully.

Fans will now be hoping the Swede can finally put his injury problems behind him and make his first Tottenham appearance since May 2025 in the near future.

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up an ambitious move for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres after their pursuit of Eli Junior Kroupi was derailed by a 'devastating' injury.

The Spain international has emerged as one of several attacking options being considered by Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the new season.

With Kroupi now facing months on the sidelines, Spurs are being forced to look elsewhere.

Spurs could launch move for Ferran Torres

© Iconsport / Ludvig Thunman / BILDBYRÅN / kod LT

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham remain keen to strengthen their attack following Kroupi's broken foot, with the 2026 World Cup winner one of the more 'ambitious' names under consideration.

The Spain international could become available if he fails to agree a new contract at the Camp Nou, and Spurs are already understood to have held discussions with intermediaries over his situation.

Paris Saint-Germain are currently pushing to reach an agreement for the 26-year-old, but Tottenham continue to monitor developments closely in the hope an opportunity could arise.

What other forwards could Spurs target?

© Iconsport / Belga

Torres is not the only attacker on Tottenham's shortlist, however.

Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani remains a player Spurs admire, although RB Leipzig are pushing hard for his signature and Barcelona are also monitoring him as a potential alternative to Julian Alvarez.

Meanwhile, Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi is another highly-rated option. The Italian-born Germany U21 youngster is attracting attention from AS Roma and Borussia Dortmund, while Barcelona have also been credited with an interest.

Both Asllani and Tresoldi fit Tottenham's strategy of targeting emerging talent with significant resale value, but Torres arguably represents the most complete option of the three.

Unlike his younger counterparts, Torres has already proven himself at the highest level, winning the World Cup with Spain and gaining valuable experience with both Manchester City and Barcelona. His ability to operate as a centre-forward, on either wing or in a fluid front three, would also give De Zerbi far greater tactical flexibility.

While signing Torres may prove more difficult, he looks the most ready-made solution for a Spurs side eager to challenge at the top end of the Premier League immediately, and eventually back in Europe.