Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI vs Aston Villa: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball
Tottenham hit by suspensions and injuries ahead of Aston Villa FA Cup clash
Tottenham’s FA Cup meeting with Aston Villa arrives with a familiar sense of disruption in north London, as suspensions, injuries and absentees continue to shape Thomas Frank’s planning. The third round tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium promises edge and jeopardy, yet Spurs approach it without their captain and with a squad stretched across several key areas.
Cristian Romero will play no part against Aston Villa, sidelined after accepting a Football Association charge stemming from his reaction to a late red card in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool last month. The one match suspension and £50,000 fine removes a combative leader from the heart of defence, and one whose influence often defines Tottenham’s intensity in big moments.
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Defensive reshuffle for Tottenham
Romero’s absence forces a recalibration at centre back. Kevin Danso is expected to step in alongside Micky van de Ven, a pairing that offers athleticism and recovery pace but lacks the familiarity of Spurs’ first choice duo. Radu Dragusin waits in reserve, an option if the tie becomes stretched or physical.
The challenge posed by Aston Villa is significant. Villa arrive with cohesion and confidence, comfortable in possession and dangerous in transition. Tottenham’s defensive structure will be tested, particularly in dealing with Villa’s movement between the lines and willingness to attack early spaces.
Midfield injuries test squad depth
In midfield, the situation is more precarious. Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined after suffering a quad injury in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, with a return not expected until early April. Frank was candid when addressing the issue, saying, “Kudus is a bigger one, to the tendon and quad, and don’t expect him back until after the March international break.”
Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, sustained in the damaging 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth, compounds the problem. Replaced late on at the Vitality Stadium, the Uruguayan now faces an uncertain recovery timeline. Frank admitted, “Same with Rodri [Bentancur]. Rodri is a hamstring injury, looks like a bigger one. We don’t know the extent yet.”
Lucas Bergvall is also under assessment following a muscle issue, with Frank adding, “Lucas is being assessed today [Thursday]. We’ll know more later today with him.” With Bentancur and likely Bergvall unavailable, Tottenham’s midfield options are thin.
Selection calls and attacking questions
Joao Palhinha offered a reminder of his quality with a spectacular overhead kick against Bournemouth and could be rewarded with another start. Archie Gray is another contender, particularly given his versatility and composure. Further forward, Frank may rethink his attacking structure after Randal Kolo Muani struggled to impose himself as the central striker. Richarlison, lively from the bench in midweek, presents a more familiar focal point.
The game also comes too soon for Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie, while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain absent. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, further limiting options.