Aston Villa team news vs Tottenham: Unai Emery confirms Emi Buendia update, suggests two surprise inclusions
Unai Emery has given an update on his team’s fitness ahead of Aston Villa’s trip to North London to take on Tottenham on Sunday.
Tottenham are the favourites against Villa, after enjoying a strong start to the season under new manager Thomas Frank.
The Dane made the switch from Brentford in the summer, and has led his side to third place in the Premier League after seven played.
There will be some confidence, however, with Villa boasting a brilliant record in games immediately following the international break.
Simon Hooper will oversee Villa’s trip to Tottenham, a referee who has been kind to both teams in the past.
Unai Emery confirms returns for Villa
Ollie Watkins left the England camp earlier this week, after taking a nasty hit during England’s game against Wales last week.
The striker had been looking for his second goal and slid in, before colliding with the post at some speed.
Watkins was substituted, and Villa fans worried that the forward may have sustained some serious damage.
| Ollie Watkins | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.5 |
| Shots | 11 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Successful dribbles | 5 |
Luckily, Emery has confirmed that Watkins “normally” will be fit to take part in Sunday’s game, with a training session due for tomorrow.
Emi Buendia was forced off injured with a nasty-looking head collision against Burnley, but his manager has confirmed that the midfielder took part in training and will be ready for Sunday.
The same can be said of Jadon Sancho, who was missing before the international break through illness.
And there could be a surprise inclusion to the squad, with Emery revealing that Tyrone Mings could make his return to action on Sunday.
“The idea tomorrow is for him to train with the team and, after the training session, to decide if he will travel with us or not to London,” Emery said.
Ollie Watkins likes playing against Spurs
Villa fans will be delighted to see Watkins back, but the same can certainly not be said of Spurs fans.
The striker faced the North London club on 10 occasions across the past five seasons, and has scored or assisted at least once in each campaign.
Interestingly, too, four of Watkins’ five direct goal contributions against Spurs have come away from home.
His last, a 61st-minute winner which saw Villa silence the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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