Unai Emery has made a major attacking selection call for Aston Villa’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Tammy Abraham has dropped to the bench despite scoring twice in Villa’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City in midweek.
Instead, Nicolas Jackson leads the line in north London, while Johan Manzambi is handed a Premier League start as Emery makes several changes for the 12.30pm kick-off.
João Gomes also returns to the starting XI after serving his suspension.
Tammy Abraham benched despite Coventry brace
Abraham had presented Emery with a genuine selection dilemma.
The striker scored twice against Coventry on Wednesday, strengthening his case for a first Premier League start of the season.
Our predicted Aston Villa XI against Tottenham backed Abraham to retain his place after that performance.
Emery has gone the other way.
Jackson is preferred from the start, leaving Abraham among Villa’s substitutes despite his midweek contribution.
It is a significant call from the Villa boss as his side search for their first Premier League victory of the campaign.
Abraham has so far been used from the bench in the league, making Saturday another indication that Jackson remains ahead of him in Emery’s current Premier League thinking.
Manzambi handed Tottenham opportunity
The other eye-catching inclusion is Manzambi.
The summer arrival comes into Emery’s side for the trip to Tottenham, giving Villa additional energy in an attacking setup which has been reshaped again.
Manzambi’s inclusion comes alongside the return of Gomes, who is available again after suspension.
That changes the midfield picture from the one Villa used during their midweek cup victory.
Emery therefore appears willing to prioritise fresh legs and a different balance rather than simply rewarding the side which beat Coventry.
Villa will need the changes to have an immediate impact.
They entered the weekend still searching for their first league win, while Tottenham have also endured a difficult opening to the new campaign.
The tactical battle could suit Villa if they can take advantage of the spaces identified in our look at Tottenham’s pressing problems and what they could offer Emery’s side.
Supporters can find the full broadcast details in our Tottenham vs Aston Villa TV channel and live stream guide.
Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is at 12.30pm.
