Aston Villa Tottenham Tyrone Mings Unai Emery
(credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Fri 16 May 2025 18:17, UK
Unai Emery has made three changes to his Aston Villa side as they face Tottenham in the Premier League action on Friday night.
The Villans are prepared to welcome Ange Postecoglou’s men to Villa Park on 16 May as the home side continues the race for Champions League qualification.
This comes off the back of a hard-fought win against Bournemouth as Ollie Watkins‘ first-half strike proved to be the difference on the south coast.
Now Emery awaits the penultimate game of the season, knowing nothing but a win will be acceptable as Spurs travel to B6 with the Europa League final in the back of their minds.
Given the magnitude of the game, it does come as a surprise to see Mings drop out of the side after such a positive performance last time out.
Aston Villa Tyrone Mings
Tyrone Mings was excellent for Aston Villa v Bournemouth (Credit: Imago)
Aston Villa confirmed XI v Tottenham
It is little surprise to see Emi Martinez maintain his spot in the starting 11 after catching the eye by making four saves last time out at the Vitality [FotMob].
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Ahead of the Argentine, the Spanish head coach has opted to utilise Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa once again, with Ian Maatsen joining the pair.
This has seen Pau Torres come into the side despite Mings’ 100 per cent tackle success to help maintain a clean sheet last time out. This change may prove to be a mistake.
Despite this change, Emery has backed the same pairing at the base of midfield with Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana starting again after their combined 13 defensive actions against Bournemouth.
This duo are set to be joined by Marco Asensio once again after hitting the post and generally combining well with Morgan Rogers, who has also kept his spot in the side.
In one enforced change, Jacob Ramsey has dropped out to serve his suspension, with John McGinn returning to the side after coming on and contributing one defensive action to see out the win for Villa against the Cherries.
Up top, Emery has once again has backed Watkins after his record-breaking goal and all-around excellent performance last time out.
Aston Villa desperate for win v Tottenham
Against a Spurs side who have dropped a number of first-team stars, a win should be pretty routine for the Villans.
That may not prove to be the case, as nerves begin to creep in given how much is on the line with just one game remaining after this one in the Premier League.
Position Club Games played Goal difference Points
4. Manchester City 36 +24 65
5. Chelsea 36 +19 63
6. Aston Villa 36 +7 63
7. Nottingham Forest 36 +12 62
Premier League table
If a win isn’t secured against Postecoglou and Co., the dreams of Champions League qualification will be dashed before any rivals have even touched a ball.
As a result, Emery will be keen to get the best out of Watkins, Rogers and everyone else in claret and blue to maintain the hunt for a top-five finish.
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