View: Philippe Coutinho to start, Ollie Watkins benched – Aston Villa predicted XI V Tottenham
Unai Emery suffered his first defeat as Aston Villa manager as his side went down 3-1 to Liverpool on Boxing Day at Villa Park.
Jurgen Klopp’s side showed their quality, particularly in the first half, to get ahead of their hosts before a late goal from Stefan Bajčetić sealed the victory.
The Villans did find a way back into the game through Ollie Watkins, but the 26-year-old’s poor finishing throughout the game made life hard for Emery’s side. Villa take on Tottenham in their next Premier League fixture, and here Villa News takes a look at how they could line up against Antonio Conte’s side.
There is a chance that Emiliano Martinez could be back from his World Cup exploits with Argentina, but after recent comments from Emery, there’s a strong possibility Robin Olsen will continue in goal. Birmingham Live suggest (28 December) Martinez is set to return on 29 December, before holding discussions with the Spaniard over whether he is able to play against Spurs. For now, it’s easier to assume Olsen will remain in between the sticks.
We anticipate Emery to utilise the 4-2-2-2 system or variation of the 4-4-2 that he used against Liverpool. Matty Cash was left on the bench against the Reds and he could well return to give Ashley Young a rest after the 37-year-old played the full 90-minutes against Klopp’s side.
Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa will almost certainly start in the centre of defence with Lucas Digne at left-back. It’s a similar story when it comes to defensive midfield, with Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz likely to keep their places.
Emery has been eager to utilise John McGinn in a slightly wider and higher role, and there’s a good chance he will do so again against Spurs. However, he could look to give Philippe Coutinho a start, after the Brazilian replaced Emi Buendia in the defeat to Liverpool.
Ollie Watkins squandered a number of chances in the 3-1 loss and he could potentially lose his place with Danny Ings coming in the partner Leon Bailey up front.
In other Aston Villa news, The day Villa went berserk at the Bridge: Eight goals, two penalties, and three sent off in 2007 bonanza