7 players rested: Predicted Tottenham XI vs Aston Villa as Ange prepares for Europa League final
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa before the Europa League showdown with Manchester United, Ange Postecoglou faces one of the most complex team selection puzzles of his managerial career.
The Australian must weigh short-term competitive pride against long-term European ambitions, all while managing a squad that has endured the psychological toll of 20 league defeats this campaign.
Goalkeeping Conundrum
Guglielmo Vicario’s anticipated return between the sticks represents the first major decision. While Antonin Kinsky performed admirably against Crystal Palace, making several crucial saves to prevent further embarrassment, the Italian number one’s commanding presence and superior distribution make him indispensable for building confidence ahead of the Bilbao final.
Vicario’s ability to play out from the back will be particularly crucial against Villa’s aggressive press, serving as valuable preparation for facing United’s high defensive line.
Defensive Reconfiguration
The back four selection reveals Postecoglou’s delicate balancing act. Cristian Romero’s reinstatement at center-back provides much-needed aggression and leadership, qualities sorely lacking in recent weeks.
Alongside him, Micky van de Ven’s blistering recovery pace offers insurance against Villa’s pacy forwards, though the Dutchman may only feature for 60-70 minutes to preserve his fitness for the final.
Full-back choices demonstrate Tottenham’s strategic priorities. Pedro Porro’s surprise inclusion against Palace now makes sense as Postecoglou seeks to rebuild defensive cohesion, while Destiny Udogie’s return at left-back offers greater attacking threat than the struggling Djed Spence.
These selections suggest the manager views Friday’s match as an opportunity to fine-tune his first-choice backline rather than simply rotating ahead of the final.
Midfield Dynamics
The engine room presents perhaps the most intriguing selection headaches. Yves Bissouma’s return to the base of midfield provides much-needed physicality and ball-winning capability, attributes that will be crucial against Villa’s technically gifted midfield trio.
Alongside him, Rodrigo Bentancur’s partial rest against Palace (being substituted at half-time) indicates Postecoglou’s careful management of the Uruguayan’s workload following his injury struggles.
Further forward, Pape Sarr’s likely inclusion over the injured Dejan Kulusevski reflects both necessity and opportunity. The Senegalese international’s energy and direct running could prove valuable against Villa’s high defensive line, while also giving Kulusevski precious extra recovery time before the final.
This calculated risk demonstrates Postecoglou’s willingness to prioritize European success while still fielding a competitive Premier League side.
Attacking Considerations
Tottenham’s frontline selections reveal the manager’s pragmatic approach. Richarlison’s anticipated start on the left flank provides defensive diligence alongside attacking threat, with Heung-min Son likely preserved as a second-half game-changer. The Brazilian’s physicality could prove particularly useful against Villa’s combative full-backs.
Through the middle, Dominic Solanke’s return offers a focal point Tottenham desperately lacked against Palace. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game will be crucial for relieving pressure on Spurs’ beleaguered defense, while also providing valuable match sharpness ahead of leading the line in Bilbao.
On the opposite flank, Brennan Johnson’s retention makes perfect sense given his status as Tottenham’s top scorer this season.
The Welshman’s direct running and improving end product offer a constant outlet, while his understanding with Porro down the right has become one of Tottenham’s most reliable attacking avenues.
Strategic Implications
This predicted lineup suggests Postecoglou views the Villa match as both a competitive fixture and an extended preparation session for the final. By fielding nearly his first-choice eleven, the Australian achieves multiple objectives: maintaining squad rhythm, rebuilding defensive solidity, and giving key players valuable minutes without overextending them.
The absence of wholesale rotation speaks volumes about Postecoglou’s mentality. Rather than treating the Villa game as an inconvenience, he appears determined to use it as a springboard for European success – a chance to rebuild confidence and tactical cohesion ahead of the season’s most important match.
For Tottenham supporters, this approach offers hope that their team can finish a difficult Premier League campaign with dignity while simultaneously preparing to make history in Bilbao.
The coming days will reveal whether Postecoglou’s calculated gamble pays dividends or leaves key players fatigued for the final – but one thing is certain: in a season of extremes, Tottenham’s team selection for this match may prove one of their most consequential decisions yet.