Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to further push for the Champions League places as they take on Aston Villa on Wednesday. The Lilwyhites have an outside chance of finishing inside the top four, if they can win their remaining matches and if other results go in their favour. On the flip side, they could miss out on European football altogether – making this a must-win encounter for the north London giants.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Defence
Ryan Mason missed out on the services of Serge Aurier in the last game, forcing him to try his luck with Japhet Tanganga. It remains to be seen whether the Ivorian’s groin problem gets resolved by Wednesday, but we do expect Tanganga to start at right-back once again, ahead of Matt Doherty.
Any other changes in the defensive unit are unlikely as Mason has put a lot of trust in the central defensive combination of Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier. They were quite solid at the back in the last game and must maintain a similar level of performance this time around.
Sergio Reguilon, too, is a favourite to retain his place in the left-back unit, as Ben Davies is out injured with a calf problem. The Spaniard should complete the Tottenham back-four, as they look to protect Hugo Lloris in goal. The Frenchman is hoping for his 13th clean sheet, having already kept the fourth-highest number of shutouts in the league this season.
Midfield
Much like the central defensive unit, Mason has put great trust in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso in the double-pivot, even though the likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko are available as alternatives.
Hojbjerg should provide the grit to Lo Celso’s grace, as these two players hope to offer the variety that could help Tottenham dominate this game in the middle of the park.
Attack
Hojbjerg and Lo Celso are likely to be partnered by Dele Alli in the most advanced midfield role. The Englishman is starting to find his feet after a disappointing spell under Jose Mourinho and will be keen on ending the campaign on a positive note.
Alli should be accompanied by Son Heung-Min and Gareth Bale in the creative trifecta for Spurs, operating just behind the central striker Harry Kane. It is imperative for them to continue their good form in front of goal, as the Lilywhites look to push for the Champions League spots.
