Why Ross Barkley simply cannot start for Aston Villa vs Tottenham
Aston Villa have a decision to make over Ross Barkley as they prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
It is back to the Premier League for both sides after midweek Carabao Cup clashes.
The Lilywhites travelled to face Liverpool and ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat to Andoni Iraola's side.
Unai Emery was on the flip side of that as his side secured a 3-1 win away to Coventry City.
Barkley got on the scoresheet at the CBS Arena as he atoned for an earlier error in the first half.
The Englishman will now be keen to remain in Villa's starting XI away to Spurs, but starting him would be a major risk.
What did Ross Barkley do vs Tottenham last time out?
The 32-year-old does have quality that he brings to the Villans when he comes into the side.
His ability on the ball can make a difference and has done since his move from Luton Town in 2024.
That hasn't always been on show in recent months and certainly wasn't last time out against Tottenham.
He featured in the middle of the park in a much changed Villa side and put in a terrible performance.
Across 85 minutes he failed to chip in with a single tackle, block, clearance or interception.
He also had the worst duel success rate on the pitch having maintained a zero per cent win rate across his nine attempts.
That isn't helped by his lack of shots, while also making less passes into the final third than Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven on the day.
Villa are in a place where they desperately need a Premier League win, so giving Barkley the chance may not be worth the risk.
Who should start in midfield for Aston Villa vs Tottenham?
There is a decision here to be made by Emery.
It feels very likely that Boubacar Kamara will come back in after sitting out against Coventry.
Should Barkley and Lamare Bogarde drop out, there is a need for another fresh face in the middle of the park.
If Joao Gomes is declared fit, he could be given the nod to feature for the first time in the Premier League since the opening day.
That could serve as a positive change as Barkley could represent a worry.