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Spursvs.Aston Villa

sportsmole.co.uk, 1 November 2024, 10:37
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery is likely to have all of his options available to him for Sunday's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

The ex-Arsenal manager oversaw a disappointing 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in Wednesday's EFL Cup last-16 clash, but his side suffered no fresh injuries in that contest, where Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings both played the full 90 after their serious knee issues.

Emery shuffled the pack considerably for that defeat to the Eagles - leaving some big names out entirely - and a first-choice XI should take to the field from the off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fresh from defending his Yashin Trophy, Emiliano Martinez reclaims his rightful place in goal, likely in front of a settled backline of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne.

Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are shoo-ins in the middle of the park, as is Morgan Rogers - who is now said to be discussing a new contract at Villa Park - slightly further forward.

Emery has two dilemmas to solve in attack, though, as John McGinn, Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey are all competing for two spots out wide, while Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran are engaged in a long-running battle for the number nine spot.

Once again, Duran's midweek goal is unlikely to be enough to earn him a top-flight start over Watkins, and Bailey should be the unfortunate member of the wide trio to take a seat on the bench.

Aston Villa possible starting lineup:

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Ramsey; Watkins

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