Birmingham Live

Aston Villa have announced that they are selling a new range of fashion items that fans are going to be clamouring to get hold of ahead of the new season - including a limited edition of the iconic adidas Samba range.

The Villa colours are displayed on the trainers and they also show off the Villa badge. You can get your pair here

You can also find an adidas DNA hoody which comes in simple Villa colours and a low key traditional adidas design. That can be bought here

The same design can be found on classic adidas track top on offer, this is the type of track top that fans love to wear - that can be bought here

The wife of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says that the emotion he showed in the club's final home game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur, last month, is 'just who he is'.

Martinez was visibly moved as he was serenaded by the Villa Park faithful following the 2-0 victory over Spurs, on a night when the players and staff, often with their families, traditionally show their appreciation for the support they've received over the course of the season before their summer break.

The goalkeeper expressed his gratitude with his wife, Mandinha, and his children out on the pitch as part of the lap of honour following the full time whistle, and many picked up on Martinez's emotions.

What has since followed has been weeks of speculation regarding his future; it's believed that the former Arsenal keeper, who has been Villa's number one since his £20m move in the summer of 2020, has offers from the Saudi Pro League, but that he would rather remain in Europe if he were to move.

It remains to be seen how events will unfold in the coming weeks and months of the transfer window for Martinez, who has been away representing his native Argentina in their World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, but Villa are relaxed about the situation having agreed a new extended contract with the stopper only last summer.

In the meantime, his other half has suggested we perhaps shouldn't read too much into those scenes with Martinez on the penultimate game of Villa's season, in which they fell agonisingly short of securing Champions League football for a second successive season.

"He wasn't in tears," Mandinha told Ed James on BBC WM, when asked if it was a goodbye to the fans or not. "No. Anybody who knows Emi knows he is an emotional character and that's who he is. It just shows you how much he loves the Villa fans. I love the Villa fans. We love Villa."

What is Villa's transfer priority this summer? Have your say HERE

Everyday, the BirminghamLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Aston Villa content.

Our dedicated reporter John Townley - who you can follow on X by clicking here - follows Villa home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.

So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur - that's why we have produced a daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you'll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox. Sign up to the Villa newsletter here.

You can also get all your favourite content from BirminghamLive's Villa team on WhatsApp. Click here to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.

If you prefer reading our Villa stories on your phone, consider downloading the BirminghamLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Villa as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here and for Android here.

The latest West Brom news and views from BirminghamLive as Albion go forward with Ryan Mason as their new head coach

Simon Jordan has rejected the suggestion that Ryan Mason’s decision to make the managerial jump to West Brom is any indicator about Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham Hotspur.

The pundit and former Crystal Palace owner has been discussing the 33-year-old’s decision to leave Spurs and take the plunge with his first permanent head coaching appointment at The Hawthorns.

He does so having spent most of his time in football with the north London outfit both as a player and working in several managers’ back room teams. Having been Postecoglou’s assistant in their Europa League win the former midfielder has signed a three-year deal with the Baggies – at a time when Postecoglou’s own outlook is not clear.

Jordan told talkSPORT he doesn’t link the two. “Ryan Mason wasn’t part of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff because Ange Postecoglou chose him. He was there in situ and Ange Postecoglou incorporated him,” Jordan said.

“I would suspect his ambitions have always lent themselves to an opportunity as a first team manger. I think he has said it himself in previous situations when he stood in for [the] interim, he has talked about wanting to be a manager.

“West Bromwich Albion is a decent club, they are becoming ensconced now in the Championship, that’s not where they want to be, they have been there for four years now, they have got no parachute payments so they are not going to be able to compete with some of the economic powerhouses that are either coming down or are already there because they don’t have the resources perhaps to be able to do that.

“I have seen nothing from Ryan that gives me the feeling that he is a great leader and a powerful character but maybe you don’t need that now, maybe you don’t need these Churchillian speeches to players to get them up, motivate them and be authoritative. Maybe he’ll grow into the job

“And maybe there’s caveats [in this] three year contract because to me giving an untried manager a three year contract means that you are potentially a hostage to fortune a year into the job because if he doesn’t work out the way you want him to you have got liabilities.

“So I am assuming there will be caveats in the contract that prevent the club having to pay big sums out if the manager doesn’t work.”

Jordan also made light of Mason’s record in caretaker charge of Spurs, when he won four of his seven matches after Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2021 and two of six in the wake of Antonio Conte’s exit, admitting Mason did well ‘to a degree’.

“I know there was a big dog and pony show made about the fact he had some coherence to the things he was saying and they got a couple of results, then reality came knocking again.”

Ryan Mason has left Spurs to take charge of West Brom

Daniel Levy has responded to Ryan Mason’s departure from Tottenham for West Brom.

Mason leaves his role as an assistant to Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou to take charge at West Brom on a three-year deal.

Levy said: "Ryan has been an integral part of Tottenham Hotspur for a number of years, both as a player and a coach.

“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan for all his dedication and hard work over the years, and we wish him every success for the future."

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed head coach of West Bromwich Albion,” Mason told West Brom’s website.

“This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan-base and I am excited about what we can achieve together.

“Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club, I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be and I can’t wait to get started.

“I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club.”

West Brom look set to target a member of Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham coaching team

Tottenham are braced for an approach for first-team coach Ryan Mason over the vacant West Brom job, the PA news agency understands.

West Brom have been on the hunt for a new manager since Tony Mowbray was dismissed on April 21.

Mason has emerged as a leading candidate for the role, but Spurs' rollercoaster 2024-25 campaign only ended on Sunday days after Europa League success in Bilbao.

Uncertainly remains over the future of Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou and yet a coaching restructure at the Premier League team could occur regardless of if the Australian is kept on by chairman Daniel Levy.

Highly rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs, which enabled the 33-year-old to play his part in the club's first trophy in 17 years.

After two previous caretaker stints across a seven-year coaching spell at Tottenham, Mason has long been tipped for a future in management and could land his first role at West Brom.

West Brom finished ninth in the Championship but dismissed Mowbray after their play-off hopes ended in April.

Mowbray had only been hired in January to replace Carlos Corberan, who left to take over at Valencia in December.

After Mason progressed through Spurs' academy, he played once for England during a decade-long playing career before he was forced to retire at the age of 26 in 2018 after he sustained a fractured skull in a Premier League match for Hull away to Chelsea.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was emotional after the win over Tottenham

Emi Martinez had to wipe away his tears after Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Friday night.

The victory keeps Villa’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive, with everything to play for on the final day of the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

When referee Peter Banks blew the final whistle, Villa were sitting in fourth place. However, Chelsea leapfrogged them shortly afterwards with a 1-0 win over United.

Many had expected both Spurs and United to lose to Champions League hopefuls Villa and Chelsea, respectively.

But what happened after Villa’s win over Spurs came as a surprise, as both goalkeeper Martinez and winger Leon Bailey were visibly emotional at full-time.

Some members of Unai Emery’s squad would have arrived at Villa Park knowing it could be their final home game for the club.

Given their emotional reactions, it’s fair to assume that both Martinez and Bailey are aware that Friday night may have been their last appearance at Villa Park.

Martinez stood at the edge of his box for several minutes before wiping away tears, unable to hide his emotions. Bailey, meanwhile, walked onto the pitch looking visibly upset.

After the final whistle, Bailey was seen crouched down, brushing the turf for around 20 seconds.

Bailey is expected to leave Villa this summer after slipping down the pecking order following an underwhelming campaign - especially when compared to last season, when he scored 14 goals in all competitions.

Martinez, on the other hand, signed a new long-term contract with the club back in August. However, he has attracted strong interest from clubs in both Europe and Saudi Arabia ahead of the summer transfer window.

He has a lucrative offer from a club in the Saudi Pro League on the table, though it’s unclear whether he would be willing to give up European football at this stage in his career.

While such a move may seem unlikely, a transfer to a major European club appears more realistic - particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, where Argentina will look to defend their title in the USA.

According to TyC Sports, Martinez already has “two firm offers from major European teams.”

The fee Villa would demand for Martinez is currently unknown. However, the club is believed to have an interest in highly rated Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

The Espanyol star has a release clause of around £25 million and has been tracked by several clubs, including Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, has already scouted Garcia this season in preparation for the summer window.

Aston Villa have climbed into the top five after beating Tottenham 2-0, boosting their hopes of returning to the Champions League.

The victory marks Villa’s 32nd win in all competitions this season, setting a new club record for a top-flight campaign.

Unai Emery’s side are guaranteed to spend the weekend in at least fifth place, but they will drop outside the Champions League spots before the final day if Chelsea beat Manchester United in the later kick-off this evening and Manchester City avoid defeat at home to Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Spurs created the first major chance of the game when Mathys Tel played the ball across the box to Wilson Odobert, whose close-range flick was saved by Emi Martinez.

Minutes later, Spurs goalkeeper Antonín Kinský managed to tip the ball around the far post as Amadou Onana curled it into the box in an attempt to find Morgan Rogers.

Marco Asensio went close 10 minutes before the break when he cut onto his left foot and curled an effort towards the far post, missing by inches.

Ezri Konsa broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, helping Ollie Watkins’ header past Kinský from close range.

Watkins had a chance to double the lead moments later, but Ben Davies denied him with a crucial block.

In the 73rd minute, Boubacar Kamara made it 2–0 by firing past Kinský to score his first Premier League goal, doing so in his 69th appearance.

Player ratings

Emi Martinez

Martinez made a smart save to deny Odobert in the 16th minute, reacting well to a close-range flick. That’s now five clean sheets in his last eight league games. 8

Matty Cash

Cash was tested early by Son Heung-min, who looked sharp in the first half. The Villa right-back was booked for appealing for a yellow card after being fouled by Pape Matar Sarr. He maintained his width in the final third, helping to create space inside for others. 8

Ezri Konsa

Konsa was solid defensively throughout, clearing danger with composure before and after forcing a save from Kinský in the 38th minute. He then broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, turning home from close range. A clean sheet and a goal - a standout performance. 9

Pau Torres

Torres returned to the starting XI in place of Tyrone Mings and looked assured throughout. He threaded several progressive passes into advanced areas and benefited from the time and space afforded to him in possession. A composed display from the Spaniard. 8

Ian Maatsen

Maatsen replaced Lucas Digne in the line-up and made a strong impression down the left flank, delivering a number of dangerous crosses. It was his blocked shot that led to Konsa’s goal from the resulting corner. Energetic and effective. 8

Boubacar Kamara

Kamara anchored the midfield alongside Onana with composure and intensity. He was steady in possession and sharp out of it, breaking up play and maintaining structure. His performance was capped with his first Premier League goal - a well-earned reward. 9*

Amadou Onana

Onana covered ground effortlessly and showed his range in possession, playing accurate balls out wide and combining well in tight areas. A strong all-round showing. 8

Morgan Rogers

Rogers operated off the right but struggled to make a significant impact in the final third. However, his defensive contribution shouldn’t go unnoticed - frequently doubling up with Cash to limit Spurs’ threat down their left. 8

Marco Asensio

Asensio was Villa’s primary creative outlet in the first half, nearly opening the scoring in the 36th minute with a curling effort that went just wide. Faded slightly as the game wore on but remained a threat in possession. 8

John McGinn

McGinn replaced the suspended Jacob Ramsey and brought his trademark energy and aggression. He fired over early on and consistently looked to set the tempo, though some teammates didn’t match his intensity in the first period. He helped keep the ball alive in the build-up to Konsa’s goal. 8

Ollie Watkins

Watkins worked tirelessly, stretching the Spurs backline and linking play effectively. While he didn’t see much of the goal in the first half, he had a big chance after Konsa’s opener but was denied by a crucial intervention from Davies, who may have caught more of Watkins' leg than the ball. 8

SUBS

Donyell Malen (for Watkins, 86'): N/A

Ross Barkley (for Onana, 88'): N/A

Leon Bailey (for McGinn, 90'): N/A

Subs not used: Olsen, Disasi, Bogarde, Digne, Garcia, Mings.

GOALS

Aston Villa: Konsa (59'), Kamara (73')

Tottenham: N/A

Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey were both about to come on before Ezri Konsa opened the scoring.

But Donyell Malen is the first substitute for Villa, as he comes on for Ollie Watkins.

John McGinn fires towards goal from the edge of the box, but hits the side-netting.

Interesting to see what Ange does from here considering the final his side have on Wednesday. A few of his big-hitters on the bench.

Ian Maatsen barged Mikey Moore in the back just outside the box, but Villa twice blocked Spurs’ crosses from the set-piece and then the rebound.

I’d like to see Ben Davies’ tackle on Ollie Watkins again - the forward was denied an effort on goal, but not sure how much of the ball Davies took. Emery looked to be complaining about it.

Odobert looked like he might be heading in on goal for a moment after Kinsky rolled the ball out after collecting a cross.

But Ian Maatsen was on hand to get to the ball before Odobert and casually played it back to Emi Martinez.

Down the other end, Matty Cash crosses to Ollie Watkins at the back post. His delivery was inches too high for the striker to make contact.

Marco Asensio flicks the ball over a Tottenham player, brings it down and then beats two with ease before finding Ollie Watkins in the box. After taking a touch, Watkins’ effort is then blocked before it becomes a problem for Kinsky.

We’re 30 minutes in and Villa haven’t really asked many questions of this weaker Spurs side, who are quite comfortable at the minute.

Amadou Onana’s cross to the far post was creeping into the far corner, but Kinsky just about tips the ball wide of the post.

Hard to tell whether Morgan Rogers got a touch on the ball or not - don’t think he did.

That’s the closest Villa have come to scoring in the first 19 minutes.

Son runs at Matty Cash down the flank, cuts inside and fires towards goal. He misses the target by fractions, with his effort sailing just over the bar.

The Spurs winger has started the game well and is causing problems on the flank.

Strange atmosphere here at Villa Park. There’s a feeling of expectancy that Villa will score and Villa will win. Dangerous if that’s how the players feel too.

Moments later, Odobert flicks the ball towards goal, calling Emi Martinez into action. It was a good save from the ‘keeper.

John McGinn wins a 50/50 in the middle of the park, before finding Marco Asensio down the left. The Spaniard then plays it to Boubacar Kamara, who tries a give-and-go with Ollie Watkins, but his second pass doesn't come off.

Tottenham then lead a counter-attack and win a corner.

Son whips his cross into the box, but Emi Martinez commands his area and relieves pressure.

Pau Torres serves a cross into the box, which goalkeeper Kinsky flapped at.

Ollie Watkins then collected the ball, played a one-two in the box and then fired towards goal. Kinsky was behind it.

That’s the first decent chance for Villa.

Moments after I type that, the ball falls for John McGinn in the box, but he can’t keep his effort down.

It’s been a slow start at Villa Park, but Villa have controlled possession in the first four minutes.

The ball has been played over the top for Ollie Watkins to chase on two occasions, though Spurs have dealt with that danger comfortably.

Large pockets of empty seats in the away end tonight - most of them won't be expecting anything other than a defeat tonight. Still, Villa need to put themselves about and earn the win.

Kick-off: We're underway at Villa Park

We’re underway at Villa Park for the final time this season…

What a massive opportunity for Villa tonight, who will climb into the top five with a win over Tottenham.

Man City won’t play until Tuesday night, so they will go above last season’s champions for a few days at least.

Spurs have one eye - to say the least - on Wednesday night’s Europa League final against Manchester United.

I'll bring you updates every few minutes as Villa go in search of their third successive league win in a row.

Emery has full respect for Spurs despite their league campaign

“Of course, they are trying to manage to play Premier League and to play Europa League.

“How they are performing in the Europa League is really fantastic.

“They’re in the final, and how they can prepare as well as possible for the final maybe is their first objective tomorrow.

“I think they’re going to play with their better players, they are going to try to compete getting their best performances to be ready for the final.

“As well, because to play in the Premier League each match, for the supporters, for the league, is always important.

“I expect of them the best preparations for tomorrow and for the final they’re going to play, with the best players they have.

“Maybe some players are coming back after being injured or someone is not available tomorrow.

“But I know tomorrow we have to play our best and we have to focus 100 per cent in our gameplan, for 90 minutes, respecting them.”

Ange fires back at claims that making changes would question integrity of top five race

"No, we are are certainly going to go out there to try to win the game tomorrow and put out a team that hopefully gets that job done.

"I'm not sure about the integrity. There have been times this year when we have had to field weakened teams because of injury. Does that affect integrity? So, if people are thinking there is some sort of competitive balance that exists or doesn't exist over the course of a season, I would be very surprised if people were questioning our integrity to try and win a game of football tomorrow.

"I will put a team out that I think will do its best to win a game of football, yes."

Thoughts on the Villa and Spurs team news

As expected, John McGinn comes into the starting XI to replace the suspended Jacob Ramsey, while Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres are preferred to Lucas Digne and Tyrone Mings respectively.

For Spurs, Ange has named a weak side and left the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie at home.

Vicario, Bissouma, Johnson, Porro, Bentancur and Solanke are on the bench for Spurs.

Nothing other than three points will do for Villa, who must keep putting pressure on the rivals ahead of the final day.

They should get the job done tonight.

Asesnio on keeping the Champions League dream alive

“We have a very important game against Tottenham,” he said.

“We are preparing well, like all the games. We are feeling very strong at home, and we want to win.

“Our first objective was to be in Europe, but we want more, and the first step is to win at home with our fans.

“We feel strong, we feel very good. Our fans, the atmosphere, it’s incredible.

“We want on Friday to win another game to keep our objective at the final of the season, which is to be in the top five.”

Chris Sutton backs Villa to get the job done

"Let's face it, everyone on the planet thinks Aston Villa will win this - the same way everyone will expect Chelsea to beat Manchester United in Friday's other game," Chris Sutton said in his BBC predictions.

"The way both Tottenham and United are approaching next week's Europa League final, they are just gripped with fear. It has become like a World Cup final for both clubs.

"Both managers will make lots of changes for their matches on Friday, because they are so afraid of injuries to key players but I just don't think that is the way to approach Wednesday's game in Bilbao.

"Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou does not want anyone to get injured but the flip side to leaving key people out is that you want to go into a big game with a bit of momentum, and Tottenham do not have any.

"I put myself in a position of a Spurs player, and if I am Micky van de Ven or Cristian Romero, I would want to play against Villa and I would want to take that risk.

"But what Postecoglou is scared of, naturally, is if something happens to one of them, because then he would be asked 'why on earth did you do that?'

"So, we know what he will do and, because of that, you can't make a case for Tottenham beating Villa, or getting anything at all from this game.

"On the face of it, things have turned out pretty well for Villa haven't they? Last summer they would have looked at their last two games of the season - Spurs at home on Friday and United away next weekend - and thought that is very tough.

"Now, though, they must be rubbing their hands. They are fighting for a top-five finish and they finish up with two games against teams whose focus this week is completely on an all together different prize."

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Aston Villa play Tottenham on Friday night with their Champions League qualification hopes on the line

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery sat down with the media ahead of his side's Premier League clash against Tottenham.

A win for Villa could lift them into the top five by the end of the night, while Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Here is every word Emery said in his pre-match press conference...

How much are you looking forward to tomorrow?"I am wishing to play. I don't want holidays because we are in a very good moment after a long season, but now we are very, very motivated, very excited to play at Villa Park tomorrow for our objectives.

"We have in front of us the chance to play again in Europe. As well, it's not in our hands, but we can have some option to play in the Champions League again. I'm focusing on Tottenham because I know the most difficult way we can have is our own way—playing against Tottenham tomorrow and how we can beat them."

Is it difficult to know what to expect from Spurs?"They are trying to manage playing in the Premier League and the Europa League. How they are performing in the Europa League is really fantastic, and they are in the final. How they can prepare as well as possible for the final is, of course, maybe their first objective tomorrow.

"I think they are going to play with their better players. They are going to try to compete and get their best performances to be ready for the final. As well, playing in the Premier League—each match for their supporters, for the league—is always important.

"I expect from them the best preparation for tomorrow and for the final. They are going to play with the best players they have, and maybe some players are coming back after being injured, or someone is not available for tomorrow.

"But I know tomorrow we have to be at our best, and we have to play with 100 per cent focus on our game plan for 90 minutes, respecting them."

Do you look at the permutations?"I can't. Last time, with some calculations about how it was coming... because I was thinking and doing the calculation—two, three, four, five, six matches before. We did not arrive until now with the opportunity we have.

"Only tomorrow's match, only tomorrow’s three points, is how we can beat the opponent and how we can add more points to the table.

"This is our responsibility, and this is our focus. This is really how I can speak with the players—how we are preparing the match for tomorrow, and enjoy and be motivated, excited with our supporters.

"Also, how important the match is tomorrow—the points we are going to face tomorrow—and tomorrow we will need the supporters transmitting their energy and wishes to us.

"We have to connect tomorrow at Villa Park again with our supporters and enjoy playing, competing, and doing our best."

Does the game changing to a Friday night actually benefit you?"We are playing our matches all season—Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League—when they are setting the schedule, and tomorrow we will see.

"We are going to play, try to win, get three points, doing our work. If we are doing our work, we will be happy—and of course, another team."

How important will the fans be?"Last week we were speaking about the timing of the schedule, and I was thinking for our supporters, for them to play on the weekend.

"Maybe it was easier for them [on the weekend], but tomorrow is a good time—7.30pm on Friday before the weekend. I think all our supporters can come to the stadium to be with us at Villa Park.

"Hopefully, the stadium will again be full with the supporters, and we need everybody helping us, supporting us, and trying to get our best through them.

"Our commitment with the supporters is also a huge commitment to try to share our moment with them."

Can you assess Spurs’ season?"I respect them a lot—massive respect for Tottenham, for the players, for the coach. Last year, this coach was really doing a fantastic job, and everybody was so focused on how we could beat them because they were performing tactically and individually fantastically.

"And this year, of course, in the Premier League they are not being consistent for different circumstances, but analysing them in the Europa League, they are doing a fantastic job. Fantastic how they are performing and playing.

"Their style is still very, very threatening for the opponent—playing in the Premier League, playing in the Europa League, and performing, of course, better in the Europa League.

"I think tomorrow they are going to try to get their best performances—maybe with different players. My expectation is that they will play their starting players because they will feel fit for the match in the final, and as well because every team, in my experience here in the Premier League, respects the Premier League.

"And this is my respect for everything—the coach, Tottenham, the Premier League, the moment we are in, the moment they have, how they are playing. Their style in the Europa League is a very difficult one to stop, and they have very good players."

What is the team news?"Youri and Marcus are not available tomorrow. Ramsey is suspended. The other players are available."

Will Tielemans be fit for the United match?"We have to do each step forward—testing and analysing how he is recovering. I don’t know if Tielemans will be available physically. They [Rashford and Tielemans] are working in the training facilities every day and feeling better."

Tottenham face Aston Villa five days before their Europa League final against Manchester United

Unai Emery has predicted that Ange Postecoglou will start his strongest team against Aston Villa ahead of their Europa League final next Wednesday.

Villa host Spurs on Friday evening, hoping to claim a third successive Premier League victory, which could lift them into the top five by the end of the night.

Spurs, meanwhile, are gearing up for their European final against Manchester United, with both sides struggling in the league, sitting 17th and 16th respectively.

Tottenham have only won one of their last 10 league matches, but Emery spoke of his respect for Postecoglou and made it clear that he is expecting a difficult challenge.

“I respect them a lot, massive respect for Tottenham, for the players, for the coach,” Emery said. “Last year this coach was really doing a fantastic job and everybody was so focused on how we could beat them because they were performing tactically and individually fantastic.

“And this year of course in the Premier League they are not being consistent for different circumstances, but analysing them in the Europa League, they are doing a fantastic job, fantastic how they are performing and playing.

“Their style is still being so, so threatening for the opponent playing in the Premier League, playing in the Europa League and performing of course better in the Europa League.

“I think tomorrow they are going to try to get the best performances, maybe with different players. My expectation is that they will play their starting players because they will feel fit for the match in the final and as well because every team with my experience here in the Premier League they are respecting the Premier League.

“And this is my respect for everything, the coach, Tottenham, the Premier League, the moment we are, the moment they have, how they are playing, their style is really in the Europa League a very difficult team to stop them in the Europa League and they have very good players.”

He added: “They are trying to manage to play in the Premier League and to play in the Europa League. How they are performing in the Europa League is really fantastic and they are in the final. How they can prepare as well as possible for the final, of course, maybe their first objective tomorrow.

“I think they are going to play with their better players. They are going to try to compete and get their best performances to be ready for the final. As well, because to play in the Premier League each match for their supporters, for the league, is always important.

“I expect from them the best preparation for tomorrow and for the final. They are going to play with the best players they have and maybe some players are coming back after being injured or someone is not available for tomorrow.

“But I know tomorrow we have to get our best and we have to play our focus 100 per cent in our game plan, 90 minutes, respecting them.”