Aston Villa host Tottenham Hotspur in a massive clash in the race for the top four on Sunday afternoon.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are currently five points adrift of the Villans, having played one game fewer.
A win for either side will feel monumental, particularly for Unai Emery, who could steer Villa eight points clear of the visitors.
The Villans are coming off a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ajax. With the second leg to come next Thursday, the Spaniard could make changes on Sunday to keep his players fresh.
Here, Aston Villa News looks at how the side could line up on Sunday.
Aston Villa predicted XI v Tottenham
We predict Emery will make three changes to his lineup ahead of the game. Unsurprisingly, Emi Martinez will start in goal; the Argentine is an ever-present at the heart of Villa’s defence.
Despite Alex Moreno coming on during the second half in Amsterdam, Lucas Digne has started 18 matches this season and will likely be given the nod against Spurs.
The centre of defence is where the Villa boss faces decisions. Given the good defensive form, Clement Lenglet has featured regularly in 2024 and should retain his place.
Pau Torres was substituted at halftime against Ajax and could be replaced on Sunday afternoon. With this in mind, Diego Carlos could return to the starting XI in place of the £33million signing.
Ezri Konsa was deployed in a right-back role during the first half and should keep his place after being suspended from the second leg against Ajax.
In midfield, further changes are likely. Morgan Rogers was given a start on Thursday evening but should be replaced by the in-form Leon Bailey. Tim Iroegbunam also started in Amsterdam but will almost certainly be replaced by John McGinn.
With Ollie Watkins leading the line, Moussa Diaby and Youri Tielemans should retain their spots.
Jacob Ramsey’s injury situation is unclear, so Diaby will likely get the nod.
Defence: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne. Midfield: McGinn, Luiz, Bailey, Diaby, Tielemans. Attack: Watkins
