Birmingham Live

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.”

West Brom transfer news latest as Baggies are linked with Premier League starlet

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in young Tottenham Hotspur and Northern Ireland prospect Jamie Donley on a permanent deal for next season.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is currently on loan for Leyton Orient, who are vying for a place in the Championship, currently in the League One play-offs.

Donley has scored eight league goals and registered ten assists in 30 appearances for the Os this term, producing a string of eye-catching displays.

The latest reports suggest that the Baggies have made an early £1.5 million bid to his parent club, Spurs, to try to prise him away on a permanent deal. He still has two years on his contract with the North London outfit, and if they do not want to let him go permanently, the option of a season-long loan move is still on the table.

Born in the Northern Irish town of Antrim, Donley represented England and Northern Ireland at youth level but earned his first senior caps for his native country in March this year, playing in friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden.

The international call-up is proof of his rising prominence as a result of his loan move to Orient, his first experience of men’s football coming out of Tottenham’s academy, where he has shown his true ability.

Donley told BBC Radio London in March: “I want to play in these games. I want to show everyone what I can do. People say to go out and explore men’s football instead of just playing under-21s football, and now I’m at this stage, I’m glad I’ve gone and done that.

“I’ve obviously had the down moment in my career where I wasn’t playing and getting in the squad, but I’ve come out of the other side.

“Now I’m doing well – I’m playing lots of minutes and it’s coming out as a successful loan for me. Coming from Tottenham, everyone expects you to be this amazing player and just to hit the ground running straight away, but it’s not that easy coming in as my first loan in men’s football.

“The gaffer always told me he knows the quality I have, and it’s just about showing that. Luckily, I’ve shown that over the last few months.”

One thing that will not help Albion’s case with wrapping up any transfers this early in the off-season is that they are currently without a head coach, having dismissed Tony Mowbray over three weeks ago.

They are after young Spurs talent for the squad and potentially for the managerial vacancy. First-team coach Ryan Mason is one of the favourites to take over from Mowbray, along with Portsmouth’s John Mousinho and Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsay.

Potential incomings will want to know who they will be playing under before they commit to the club, so it is important to West Brom’s early transfer prospects that they conclude their head coach search as soon as possible.

Aston Villa is marking its 150th anniversary throughout the 2024/2025 season, celebrating a century and a half of history, football and community.

Here's what items are available to buy to celebrate the club's historic season from its official store:

Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Shirt 24-25 (£55)

The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's history in the details.

Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the site.

Buy here.

Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Track Top - Claret (£70)

This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the jacket by saying:

"Before football players take the pitch for warmups, they answer questions from the media wearing an adidas jacket like this one. It's made of a soft woven fabric to keep you comfortable anywhere the day takes you.

AEROREADY helps keep you dry and comfortable whether you're hanging with friends or watching the game from the sidelines."

Buy here.

Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Hoodie - Navy (£45)

Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages."

This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes XL and S for women limited stock left.

Buy navy here and claret here.

Aston Villa 150 Years in Pictures Book (£25)

The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season. The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo book."

Buy here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Book Volume Two (£40)

The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and 2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume. Even more pin-sharp images, artefacts and stories are featured, alongside stand-out interviews with some of the players and managers that make this club so great.

Buy here.

Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Polo Shirt - White (£30)

"Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages."

This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher price of £35.

Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here.

Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary T-Shirt - Claret and Navy (£25)

"Suitable for wearing on matchdays and beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion."

Buy mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Anniversary Scarf - Claret (£15)

"Take the love for your team with you. The scarf tops off your winter look, and is an essential item for supporters."

Buy the scarf here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Badge & Keyring Set - Boxed (£15)

Display the love for your team. Perfect for your hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages.

Buy the set here.

Aston Villa 150 Years Mug - 11oz (£8)

"Start your day off right with a drink from this. Whether it's tea, coffee or hot chocolate this mug is perfect for fans to enjoy an exquisite beverage."

Tottenham will play in the Europa League final five days after facing Aston Villa

Aston Villa are targeting their third successive Premier League victory on Friday night when they host Tottenham.

Unai Emery’s side will move into the top five if they beat Spurs, while fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea also entertain Manchester United on the same night.

Both Villa and Chelsea are expected to win on home turf, given that Spurs and United will contest the Europa League final just five days later at the San Mames in Bilbao.

However, Villa cannot afford to take Spurs lightly, despite their upcoming final and the fact that Ange Postecoglou’s side currently sit in 17th.

They lost their 20th game of the season last weekend as Crystal Palace left north London with a 2-0 victory.

Spurs have won just one of their last 10 Premier League matches, which came at home to Southampton, while they have drawn seven in that time.

Many expect Postecoglou to name a ‘weaker’ team to face Villa on Friday, but that could actually throw up some complications for their final.

The likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario all sat on the bench for the duration of the defeat to Palace.

That means that if they don’t play against Villa, those first-team stars won’t have played for 13 days before the final.

Dejan Kulusevski came off injured in the first half on Sunday, but Postecoglou is hopeful he only suffered a knock.

Son Heung-min, however, is expected to play a part against Villa.

"From a physical standpoint, [Son] is good,” Postecoglou said on Monday. “It's important he got some minutes yesterday, more for himself psychologically.

"He had a good session today, but didn't do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've got eight or nine days to go. We can build him up.

“We'll get him some minutes on Friday against Villa and if he trains right through he'll be OK.

"He's worked hard to get back. It's a bit of a funny injury. It was just how he progressed and how he felt. Hopefully he kicks on now."

Tottenham XI vs Palace: Kinsky, Pedro Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Gray, Bentancur (c), Sarr; Kulusevski, Tel, Odobert.

Substitutes: Vicario, Romero, van de Ven, Bissouma, Moore, Johnson, Son, Richarlison, Solanke.

Postecoglou could make a few changes to his starting XI to rotate, but also involve players he knows will start against United to boost their match fitness and sharpness ahead of the final.

Aston Villa host Tottenham in the Premier League on Friday night (7:30pm kick-off)

Ange Postecoglou has joked that he will wrap his players in cotton wool ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Spurs play Aston Villa on Friday night, before they take on Man United at the San Mames on Wednesday, May 21.

Tottenham’s trip to Villa Park was originally scheduled for Sunday, May 18, but they requested that it be brought forward to have more time to prepare for the final.

Villa objected to their request to move it to the Thursday, but the Premier League still moved it to Friday night, when Man United also play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ahead of the final, Postecoglou plans to give more minutes to Son Heung-min, who returned from injury in Spurs’ defeat to Crystal Palace.

Dejan Kulusevski, meanwhile, picked up a knock in the match with Palace, though Postecoglou is hopeful he should be able to feature in the final. Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison, however, are both expected to miss the remainder of the season.

"I don't know if you saw training but we had Reguilon slide tackling Brennan Johnson and they were on the same team! It seems to be how our season has gone,” Postecoglou said.

“You want to protect the integrity of training. Thankfully nothing too serious. We just have to hope and pray to the football gods.

“We've got enough injuries, I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days.

"From a physical standpoint, [Son] is good. It's important he got some minutes yesterday, more for himself psychologically.

"He had a good session today, but didn't do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've got eight or nine days to go. We can build him up.

“We'll get him some minutes on Friday against Villa and if he trains right through he'll be OK.

"He's worked hard to get back. It's a bit of a funny injury. It was just how he progressed and how he felt. Hopefully he kicks on now."

On Kulusevski, he said: "We'll see. He was a bit sore this morning with his knee.

"It looks like a knock at this stage but we're going to let it settle for the next 24 hours and see.

"The initial feeling is it was more of a knock than anything significant. We've obviously lost Madders and Bergvall in the last two weeks.

"Yesterday I had three players to back-up and they were all only going to play 45 minutes — it's sod's law that one of them gets injured.

"So he is important but right now, they're all important. The thing with Deki is that he's missed some football but he was just getting back into it, there were some really promising signs at Bodo.

"He started to show some of that real attacking creativity. Then he gets injured. He is important so fingers crossed he's OK."

Aston Villa host Europa League finalists Tottenham on Friday night (7:30pm kick-off)

Tottenham have suffered an injury blow ahead of their trip to Aston Villa on Friday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be focused on their upcoming Europa League final against Manchester United, scheduled for five days later.

While they won’t simply roll over at Villa Park, Postecoglou is expected to field a weakened team to preserve his strongest line-up for the final at San Mamés, where Spurs will be chasing silverware.

Winning the Europa League also secures a place in the Champions League, but Spurs have been dealt a setback after Dejan Kulusevski was forced off in the first half of their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

The Sweden international appeared to be injured following a challenge from Eagles captain Marc Guéhi.

He received treatment on the pitch and briefly tried to continue, but was soon replaced by Mikey Moore and headed down the tunnel minutes later.

Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison are both expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Son Heung-min returned to the squad against Palace after recovering from injury.

After hosting Tottenham, Villa will take on United at Old Trafford on the final day of the season the following Sunday.

Will Villa win their next two matches? Tell us here

Every day, 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.

Aston Villa will have to play Tottenham Hotspur two days before they were scheduled to, after Spurs' request to the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou delivered a frank assessment of how he has seen the way his club have been portrayed in the wake of Spurs qualifying for the Europa League final.

They overcame Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt comfortably over two legs and now face Manchester United, who defeated Athletic Bilbao, in the showpiece which takes place in Bilbao the week after next.

Spurs, who have endured a miserable Premier League campaign having lost 19 of their 35 matches, hit the headlines this week having won in their bid to have their game against Aston Villa brought forward by two days.

Villa's final home game of the season, after which they'll bid farewell to their fanbase for the summer, was due to take place on Sunday, May 18, but they'll now welcome Spurs on Friday, May 16 - after the Premier League approved Tottenham's request to have the game rescheduled with the likelihood of their participating in the Europa Final days later.

That was a decision which infuriated many associated with Villa, who had no such luck with the league when they asked for help in the midst of a congested schedule earlier this year, and they've been left wondering why they've had to accommodate Spurs' request, which has ultimately been justified by their progress into the final.

Postecoglou, who has received his fair share of criticism this season due to Spurs' underwhelming form, hit back at those who have doubted his players, who are now potentially 90 minutes away from the club's first trophy in 15 years, and first European trophy in over 40 years.

"It's going to upset a lot of people, isn't it?" he said. "The debate's now raging. The latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, they're just going to take a team photo because we're not worthy. I mean, who cares if we're struggling in the league? It's a separate thing.

"It's got nothing to do with league form. I couldn't care less who's struggling and who's not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there. If it's so easy to get to a final, then why doesn't everyone who finishes in the top three do it?

"I've said all along that this is important. What's happening now is people are fearing that - that it actually might happen, and let's see how we can tear it down somehow and diminish it somehow by saying it's been a poor season and we don't deserve this or we don't deserve that, or somehow comparing us to Man United.

"Maybe if we had Man United's success then maybe I'd have a different view. So, of course it's massive. Of course it is, because you have to frame it against what this club has been through over the last 15 or 20 years and what the supporters have been through."

What is Villa's priority in the summer window? Tell us 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.