- Unai Emery has made seven changes for Aston Villa’s fixture against Tottenham this evening
- Key players are rested, with one eye seemingly on the Europa League semi-final second leg
- John McGinn is absent through injury
- Robetro De Zerbi makes four changes for Tottenham
Unai Emery has completely reshuffled the pack as he makes seven changes to his Aston Villa side to take on Tottenham Hotspur this evening.
Despite the opportunity to inch closer towards Champions League qualification, key players seem to be rested with a focus on the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest on Thursday. John McGinn is not included in the squad at all.
Three changes to back four
Unai Emery has rolled the dice at Villa Park, opting for a high-stakes defensive shake-up that dismantles the core of his established back four.
In a bold tactical pivot, Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa both drop to the bench, making way for the returning Tyrone Mings and summer arrival Victor Lindelof.
As anticipated, Ian Maatsen also steps into the starting XI, replacing Lucas Digne following the Frenchman’s underwhelming display in the 1-0 Europa League semi-final first-leg loss to Nottingham Forest.
History suggests this is a gamble; Villa have frequently looked disjointed and lacked their usual structural discipline when the defensive personnel is rotated so heavily.
With the stakes sky-high tonight, Emery will be desperate for his new-look line to find its footing—and fast—before the opposition can exploit the lack of familiarity.
No Watkins or McGinn
The biggest concern is that John McGinn is absent from the matchday squad due to a tight hamstring, with Jadon Sancho replacing him.
It is a massive blow to Villa, as his energy is so important to ensure the levels of the rest of the team remain high. With a crucial semi-final coming up, everyone at the club will be wishing this isn’t a long-term problem.
In the rest of the attack, Tammy Abraham leads the line in place of Ollie Watkins. It is Abraham’s first start in over a month due to the goalscoring form of his teammate. This will be a chance for him to show Emery the impact he can make when giving more minutes.
Although many key players have been rested, Morgan Rogers isn’t one of them. The 23-year-old makes his 29th consecutive start in all competitions, highlighting the importance of his role in the team.
Emi Buendía makes way for Ross Barkley. The Englishman returns to the starting lineup after being named amongst the substitutes against Fulham.
Finally, Lamare Bogarde is the one to fill in for the injured Amadou Onana. Despite his struggles, Emery puts his faith in him once again.
Confirmed lineups
Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Lindelöf, Mings, Maatsen, Bogarde, Tielemans, Sancho, Barkley, Rogers, Abraham
Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Paulinha, Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel, Richarlison
