Tottenham face a crucial game this weekend as they look to secure European football for next season. Currently in sixth but with Brighton & Hove Albion just behind them in the table and having two games in hand, Spurs must also try and hold off Aston Villa when it comes to a Europa League spot.
The Lilywhites make the trip to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon and it promises to be a very interesting contest in the Midlands. Unai Emery’s side have really impressed over the past couple of months to move into European contention having previously found themselves in the bottom half of the table.
So how exactly will Tottenham line up this weekend as they look to record a positive result against Aston Villa? Our football.london Tottenham reporters have named the team they believe Ryan Mason will opt to start with below.
READ MORE: Daniel Levy can save Tottenham millions by securing deal for Hugo Lloris’ long-term successor
Alasdair Gold – Tottenham Hotspur correspondent
Even though it did not create chances galore it makes sense to stick with a winning team to face Aston Villa on Saturday.
Ryan Mason’s line-up, particularly with Pedro Porro in front of Emerson Royal, should give the team a solid defensive base to better handle the attacking ability of Unai Emery’s side.
Clement Lenglet being fit for selection will also help Mason keep the balance in the back four with a left and right-footer in the central duo.
Up front, Richarlison’s battling tendencies should give him the edge over the out of form Dejan Kulusevski.
Gold’s team: Forster; Emerson, Romero, Lenglet, Davies; Porro, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Son; Richarlison, Kane
Rob Guest – Tottenham Hotspur reporter
Why change a winning team? Ryan Mason has got a pretty easy decision to make in terms of his Tottenham side to take on Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Certainly not the prettiest of victories against Crystal Palace, Mason demonstrated his tactical nous in the 1-0 win with Tottenham operating in a 4-4-2 formation out of possession and then 3-4-3 when they were on the ball. His plan worked to perfection and it also gave Pedro Porro a more advanced role which he duly impressed in.
As Mason received some positive news on Clement Lenglet after the Frenchman injured his shoulder last Saturday, the loan signing will continue in the team and that means Eric Dier watches on from the bench again. The same goes for Ivan Perisic, despite some very good showings of late, as Ben Davies starts on the left.
Further upfield, Richarlison should keep his place in the XI and his battling qualities could prove crucial as Spurs look to get the better of their European rivals in the West Midlands.
Guest’s team: Forster; Emerson, Romero, Lenglet, Davies; Porro, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Son; Richarlison, Kane
READ NEXT:
Tottenham news: Daniel Levy makes major manager decision as Napoli sporting director eyed
Tottenham already have their own Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne despite goal output concern
Tottenham and Ryan Mason facing Cristian Romero challenge as Antonio Conte verdict rings true
Tottenham’s possible 25-man squad for next season includes seven transfer deals for new manager
Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham