Predicted Spurs starting XI against Villa

Following the closure of the international break, Spurs are now set for their return to Premier League action against Aston Villa.

With immense injuries and suspensions, the starting XI will once again look different than what Ange opted for at the beginning of the season. Here are the predicted starters for Sunday’s clash.

Formation – (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario

The obvious choice between the sticks, Vicario has been immense for Tottenham this season. He has the second-highest save percentage in the league with 76.9% and has been very effective at helping the team play out from the back.

The Italian will be needed against Villa’s front-line led by Ollie Watkins who has six goals and five assists this campaign. Moussa Diaby, Villa’s other major attacking threat, has three goals and three assists. With the high-line Ange likes to play, and the slower pace at defense without Van de Ven and Romero, Vicario will likely have some big saves to make.

Right-back – Pedro Porro

The season-long favorite, Porro has been Ange’s go-to for right full-back. The Spanish international has seen tremendous game-time since his move from Sporting last campaign, and a switch now would be surprising.

The other option for the spot would be Emerson Royal, but since the season-opener against Brentford the Brazilian hasn’t started on the right-flank. It’s possible that he’ll come in off the bench late in the second half in order to rest a squad with severely limited defensive depth.

Center-back – Eric Dier & Ben Davies

With Micky van de Ven out until the new year and Cristian Romero still serving his three-match suspension for the red card picked up against Chelsea, these two are the obvious choices to hold down the back-line.

There’s been speculation about the potential for summer-signing Ashley Phillips to find more game time in the coming weeks, especially with his pace in the absence of VDV, but with a knock picked up over the international break, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be playing for a few weeks.

Dier and Davies featured in the 2-1 loss to Wolves, with the latter playing on the left-flank in place of the injured Destiny Udogie. With the Italian back in action this week, it’s reasoned to assume Davies will shift back to the center of the pitch.

Left-back – Destiny Udogie

Missing action before and during the international break due to injury, Udogie is fit to return for Ange, and just in time. Villa’s attack has been prolific this season seeing them boast the second most goals (29) in the league.

With the absence of James Maddison and Yves Bissouma, Udogie will also be crucial for generating creativity and movement through the midfield as an inverted full-back. He’ll surely have to work hard on both ends of the pitch.

Midfield – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Pape Sarr, & Rodrigo Bentancur

With Yves Bissouma out of action after picking up yet another yellow card at Wolves, his sixth in 11 matches, Hojbjerg will surely be getting the nod to hold down the midfield.

After months of recovery from an ACL injury, Bentancur finally got a start over the international break, helping Uruguay defeat Bolivia 3-0. With Maddison out and the defense in a precarious situation, Bentancur’s box-to-box play will help the team cover all their bases.

Pape Sarr’s condition is still being assessed ahead of the match after he picked up a knock while on duty for Senegal. If he’s healthy, he’ll definitely get the spot, however if Ange wants to play it safe, Lo Celso could take his place. Recently, the gaffer has made his stance on the player clear, indicating that the club would like to retain his talents for the time being to see what he can offer, especially in the absence of James Maddison.

Right-wing – Dejan Kulusevski

Another regular to feature in the starting XI, Kulu will be crucial to Spurs’ success this weekend. He added to his tally against Chelsea and helped create the early goal at Wolves. Hopefully his form will carry over into this important fixture.

Left-wing – Brennan Johnson

In the absence of Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, and now Richarlison, Johnson is the clear best option to play out wide.

The Welshman netted his first goal in a Spurs shirt last match and has looked solid despite a rickety start in North London due to injury.

With pace, great technical ability, and vision he’ll surely find himself in dangerous areas of the pitch.

Striker – Heung-min Son

Sonny has been Tottenham’s new talisman after the departure of club veteran Harry Kane this past summer. With eight goals, an assist, and a Player of the Month award, Spurs’ captain could be a difference-maker this match.

Leading the press that Ange loves to employ, his high work-rate will help in winning back possession and keeping Villa on the back foot.