Aston Villa will host Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park this weekend. Dean Smith’s men are just one point above the relegation zone whereas Spurs have built up some momentum in their bid to claim the coveted fourth spot on the table. Mourinho’s men have managed two back to back wins in the Premier League with the last one coming against Manchester City. Hence, Villa’s task will be cut out, and they would need to be at their best to get something out of this game.
Aston Villa are winless in their last 8 Premier League home matches against Spurs, losing six and drawing two in the process. However, Spurs have struggled on the road for some time as they have won just two of their last 18 away games in the league. Villa will need to pick their game up after they suffered a disappointing defeat against relegation-threatened Bournemouth in their previous league encounter.
Team News: John McGinn, Wesley Moraes and Tom Heaton are long term absentees. Jed Steer is also on the treatment table. Ezri Konsa and Danny Drinkwater are doubtful for this encounter.
3-4-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Formation (3-4-3)
Defence
Pepe Reina has been behind some errors, but the experienced Spaniard is expected to keep his place in between the sticks. Smith is likely to deploy a back three. Tyrone Mings will start in the heart of the defence. Kortney Hause is expected to play as the left-sided centre back. With Konsa being a doubt, Bjorn Engels is likely to feature in the right-sided centre back position.
Midfield
Matt Targett will play in his usual left wing-back role. The former Southampton ace will need to be sharp defensively against Spurs’ pacy forwards. Douglas Luiz should start in central midfield. The Brazilian has had a mixed bag of a season so far, and he will need to be at his best in midfield if Villa are to get something out of this game. Marvelous Nakamba is expected to partner him in the middle. Frederic Guilbert is likely to begin in the right wing-back position. The Frenchman could come up against Son Heung-min, and that would be a battle to watch out for.
Attack
Jack Grealish continues to be the main threat in the attacking third. The English ace will feature from the left flank. Anwar El Ghazi could occupy the right-wing position. Mbwana Samatta managed to open his account against Bournemouth after arriving in January. He is likely to lead the line for the Birmingham based outfit.
