Ryan Mason is looking to secure a statement win with Tottenham and secure European football for the club for next season.
Spurs currently lie in sixth but with Brighton & Hove Albion just behind them in the table and having two games in hand and Mason’s side must also try and hold off Aston Villa when it comes to a Europa League place. The Lilywhites make the trip to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon and they know a win would all but secure at least Europa Conference League football for next season.
Although they have lost a couple of recent matches, Unai Emery’s side have impressed over the past couple of months to move into European contention having previously found themselves in the bottom half of the table. Mason must select a side to counter the Villain’s attacking threats while giving them plenty of problems of their own.
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Even though it did not create chances galore against Crystal Palace it makes sense to stick with a winning team to face Aston Villa on Saturday. Spurs played with a 4-4-2 out of possession which switched to a 3-4-3 with the ball.
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 Emery’s side.
Clement Lenglet being fit for selection and training this week after his shoulder injury 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.
Here is the Tottenham team we reckon Mason will select:
4-4-2: Forster; Emerson, Romero, Lenglet, Davies; Porro, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Son; Richarlison, Kane.
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