Unai Emery gamble Unhappy struggling midfielder to start against Tottenham as Aerial threat gets nod

Unai Emery Gamble: Unhappy Struggling Midfielder to Start Against Tottenham as Aerial Threat Gets Nod
Unai Emery appears poised to roll the dice in Aston Villa’s crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, with a predicted starting XI that features both a contentious selection and a clear nod to physical dominance. While familiar faces solidify key areas, the inclusion of an out-of-sorts midfielder alongside the towering presence of Tyrone Mings suggests a tactical approach designed to combat Spurs’ threats head-on, even if it means appeasing an apparently disgruntled player.
Between the sticks, Emi Martinez is a guaranteed starter. Fresh off two consecutive clean sheets, the two-time Yashin Trophy nominee will be brimming with confidence as he aims for a third. His commanding presence and shot-stopping ability will be vital against a Tottenham side eager to attack.
The right-back slot sees Matty Cash continuing his consistent run of form, keeping Andres Garcia on the bench. The Polish international’s recent performances have been solid, offering both defensive stability and attacking impetus down the flank.
In the heart of the defense, Ezri Konsa remains an undisputed cornerstone. His stellar performances throughout the 2024/25 season have made him one of the first names on Emery’s team sheet, and his reliability will be crucial against Tottenham’s dynamic forward line. Partnering him, and justifying his inclusion in the headline, is Tyrone Mings. The “aerial powerhouse” was brought in for Pau Torres in the previous outing and emphatically demonstrated why he deserves to start. Mings’ commanding presence in the air and no-nonsense defending offer a different dimension to Villa’s backline, and based on current form, his selection over the Spaniard appears a straightforward decision.
The left-back position presents its usual Emery enigma, but the prediction leans towards Ian Maatsen rotating in for Lucas Digne. The rationale suggests Maatsen’s superior pace could be key in dealing with the rapid Brennan Johnson, offering a potentially more agile option on that side of the defense.
The midfield engine room sees the reliable Boubacar Kamara anchoring the unit. His strength, positional awareness, and ability to dictate play from deep are pivotal to Villa’s structure, and his continued presence is expected amidst ongoing contract negotiations. Alongside him, Amadou Onana is predicted to retain his place after a solid performance deputizing for the injured Youri Tielemans against Bournemouth. The potential pairing of Kamara and Onana offers a physically imposing and defensively robust midfield base, capable of winning battles and shielding the back four.
Out wide, Morgan Rogers is simply undroppable. His electrifying dribbling ability and direct runs have made him a constant threat, and he’ll be eager to break his six-game goal drought against Tottenham. On the opposite flank, captain John McGinn is the likely candidate to fill the void left by the suspended Jacob Ramsey. While McGinn lacks Ramsey’s outright pace and flair, his effectiveness on the half-turn, ability to beat a man, and leadership qualities make him a suitable, albeit different, replacement.
The most intriguing and perhaps controversial selection comes in the attacking midfield role, where Marco Asensio is predicted to start. The “unhappy struggling midfielder,” on loan from PSG, has seen his initial bright form in claret and blue wane in recent weeks. This selection could be interpreted as an “Unai Emery gamble,” potentially aimed at reigniting Asensio’s confidence and extracting a match-winning performance from a player who undoubtedly possesses the talent. However, his inclusion despite a dip in form suggests Emery might be trying to appease a player whose discontent could disrupt team morale.
Leading the line is the newly crowned Aston Villa Premier League record goalscorer, Ollie Watkins. Having surpassed Gabby Agbonlahor, Watkins has cemented his status as a club legend. His relentless work rate, clinical finishing, and desire to reach the 100-goal milestone will make him a constant menace to the Tottenham defense.
Emery’s predicted XI presents a blend of reliability and risk. The inclusion of Mings for his aerial prowess is a clear tactical decision, while the selection of Asensio carries an element of uncertainty. Whether this gamble pays off and the “unhappy struggling midfielder” can rediscover his spark remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Aston Villa’s approach against Tottenham will be a fascinating tactical battle.