It's known that today is something of a must-win match for Aston Villa. Europe is already secured. Supporters would, however, like to hear Unai Emery say, "Champions League, Champions League, Champions League," in one of his media appearances next year.
In order to do so, getting three points against Tottenham is an absolute must. To play, the Spaniard is going with a strong starting XI and has mentioned that he anticipates Spurs not overlooking this fixture or playing a weaker side, unless someone is nursing an injury, although that statement appears to need something of a liberty or two to be taken.
Either way, Emery is going with Emiliano MartÃnez in net and a backline of Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, and Matty Cash. It's a defensive unit that should have an easy ability to start the counter and join the attack today against a Tottenham side that can give up the ball easily even under the best of circumstances.
John McGinn will captain the side. Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana will form the midfield engine. If Emery was going for work rate and the ability to control the middle of the park, that's an indication of what the Villa boss is going for, based on who he ended up going with.
Then Marco Asensio and Morgan Rogers will also feature from the opening whistle. The Spanish player who is currently on loan from PSG reportedly has a favorable contract in place to join AVFC on a permanent basis this summer. For the currently given price stage, it's hard for anyone to be too upset over permanently adding Asensio for a long-term deal.
Up top, Ollie Watkins will get the start. Fresh off his sole club record-breaking performance, the England international will want to further add to that tally, knowing how important a win will be for the Villans on Friday.
Among the players on the bench, Donyell Malen, Leon Bailey, and Ross Barkley can be players in the attack for Emery to turn to. Lucas Digne and Tyrone Mings are also available for the Villa gaffer.