Aston Villa manager Unai Emery could be tempted to unleash Jacob Ramsey against Spurs this afternoon after an encouraging injury update on the Englishman.
After the theatrics that took place on Thursday evening against Ajax, Aston Villa are back in action again this afternoon in what is poised to be another blockbuster.
The race for the top four is nearing the home straight with 11 games to play in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with Unai Emery’s side currently ahead of Spurs in fifth place by five points.
Today’s matchup will be crucial to both clubs’ ambitions to gain entry to the Champions League through a top-four finish, making this afternoon’s game a spectacle set to unfold at Villa Park.
After Thursday night’s stalemate in Amsterdam, Emery will be motivated to mix up his starting XI, with a host of changes expected to be made from the rotations seen in midweek.
Aston Villa team news against Spurs
With today’s fixture in mind, the manager rotated his starting XI to battle Ajax in the first leg, seeing the likes of Morgan Rogers, Tim Iroegbunam and Moussa Diaby turn from substitutes to starters.
20-year-old academy talent Iroegbunam took the place of John McGinn who had felt some pain prior to the contest, with the boss relaying ahead of the Spurs fixture that both the Scotsman and Pau Torres have returned to training since.
Torres was withdrawn at half-time however, Emery has confirmed that the prized centre-back will be fit to play this afternoon.
The decision to hand January arrival, Rogers, his full debut was influenced by the absence of Jacob Ramsey, who was ruled out of the tie due to a foot injury.
When speaking on the squad’s injury news, the manager also gave an encouraging update on Ramsey, implying that a late decision will be made regarding his status ahead of the fixture.
Aston Villa must start Jacob Ramsey against Spurs if he is fit
The influence that Ramsey can have on the Villa squad doesn’t need much explanation, particularly if you review just how pivotal he was in Emery’s system across the 2022/23 campaign.
It’s been a difficult season tainted by injury for the 22-year-old, who suffered a blow in the summer of 2023 after sustaining a metatarsal fracture that has ultimately hindered his availability this term.
Last campaign, the Bodymoor Heath product contributed to 13 goals in the Premier League, scoring six and assisting seven to showcase his talent to the manager.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, journalist John Townley expressed the importance of Ramsey potentially being in the squad against Spurs while speaking on the Claret and Blue Podcast.
“He can drive the ball, he can protect it, he can shield it, he can win fouls.”
“Defensively, he’s used to playing centre midfield under Dean Smith so there’s a lot of quality that he can bring to this game.”
It’s set to be a highly-contested fixture between the two sides quarrelling for fourth place and Emery will want his best assets available for the next test.
Once lauded as a “serious talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old’s quality could be fundamental to Villa breaking down Spurs, with the hope from those associated with the Villans being that he is fit to play.
