Unai Emery faces a decision over Tammy Abraham as Aston Villa prepare for Saturday’s Premier League visit to Tottenham.
Our Aston Villa predicted XI gives Abraham the starting place after his two goals in the Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City.
We also predict returns for Zion Suzuki and Boubacar Kamara, with João Gomes’ availability still uncertain.
This is our selection forecast, based on the information available before Friday’s final preparations. The confirmed team will follow on matchday.
Aston Villa predicted XI against Tottenham
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Suzuki; Wan-Bissaka, Harwood-Bellis, Mings, Ruggeri; Kamara, Barkley; McGinn, Buendía, Hemmings; Abraham.
Tammy Abraham gets the nod ahead of Nicolas Jackson
Abraham’s Coventry double gives Emery a clear reason to consider retaining him.
We predict the striker will lead the attack, with Nicolas Jackson providing an alternative from the bench. That remains a judgement call: FotMob’s match preview currently projects Jackson as Villa’s starting striker.
Our selection rewards Abraham’s midweek contribution while bringing Emi Buendía into the supporting line.
George Hemmings and John McGinn complete that attacking midfield, with Ibrahim Mbaye another option after his encouraging first start.
João Gomes uncertainty shapes midfield prediction
Villa are waiting to establish whether Gomes can overcome his calf problem.
Until his availability is confirmed, we predict Kamara alongside Ross Barkley. Barkley scored against Coventry and keeps his place in this forecast.
Lamare Bogarde offers another option after starting the cup tie. A positive assessment for Gomes would give Emery further scope to change the midfield.
Harwood-Bellis and Mings could continue together
We predict Taylor Harwood-Bellis will retain his place alongside Tyrone Mings after their midweek outing.
Victor Lindelöf is an alternative, making central defence another competitive selection call. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri complete our projected back four.
Suzuki is our choice in goal after replacing Marco Bizot at half-time against Coventry. The Bizot injury report covers the back problem behind that change.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 12:30 BST. Our Tottenham vs Aston Villa viewing guide has the UK broadcast details.
