Tottenham Hotspur walk into a defining Premier League showdown against Aston Villa with enormous selection dilemmas, as Roberto De Zerbi grapples with an injury crisis that refuses to ease. With survival on the line, Spurs must get things right at Villa Park — and that includes bold decisions in the starting XI.
With four games left, every point matters. Tottenham remain in the bottom three, and their trip to Villa Park is one of several fixtures that could decide whether they remain in the Premier League next season. A victory, particularly combined with results elsewhere, would transform their survival hopes.
But for the first time since taking charge, De Zerbi is being forced into major adjustments. Several key players who were expected to help push Spurs to safety have now joined the growing injury list. Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke are the latest casualties, adding to absentees Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero. In total, eleven first-team players are unavailable for the weekend — a staggering setback at the worst possible time.
Despite predicting what De Zerbi might do, this version focuses on the XI Tottenham should field in such a vital match.
Goalkeeper — Stick With Antonin Kinsky
Guglielmo Vicario is edging closer to a return following hernia surgery, but throwing him straight back into the XI may not be worth the risk. Antonin Kinsky has been calm, composed, and reliable since stepping in. His distribution has been sharp, and he has made key saves when needed. Given the defensive instability around him, consistency in goal feels crucial.
Defence — A Familiar Back Line With One Adjustment
Pedro Porro remains essential for Spurs in attack and build-up play. His creativity down the right will be vital.
At centre-back, Kevin Danso’s composure and Micky van de Ven’s speed should give Tottenham the stability needed to cope with Villa’s movement and transitions.
At left-back, Destiny Udogie should return if fit. De Zerbi has already indicated that his muscle issue was not severe, and having his dynamism back on the flank would be a huge upgrade on Djed Spence.
Midfield — Experience and Control
The duo of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma provides a level of stability Tottenham desperately need. They were excellent together against Brighton, offering balance, composure, and ball-winning instincts that gave Spurs a foothold.
In the No. 10 role, Lucas Bergvall deserves the nod. While Conor Gallagher brings energy and pressing, his attacking output has been limited. Bergvall’s creativity — particularly against a defensively strong Villa side — could be decisive.
Attack — Time for Bold Changes, Including a Debut Opportunity
With Solanke and Simons unavailable, De Zerbi may have no choice but to turn to youth — and Tynan Thompson should be considered.
Thompson has scored 13 goals at youth level this season and offers a natural wide presence. Even though he has not yet been part of a senior matchday squad, his form and instinct in front of goal make him an intriguing option during an injury crisis.
Randal Kolo Muani has struggled for consistency on the right, and at this stage of the season, Spurs simply cannot afford passengers.
Up front, Richarlison is the obvious replacement for Solanke, providing physicality and relentless work rate. On the left, Mathys Tel should replace Simons. His directness and ability to attack defenders one-on-one could give Spurs a threat Villa won’t expect.
Our Ideal Tottenham XI vs Aston Villa
Kinsky
Porro – Danso – van de Ven – Udogie
Bentancur – Bissouma – Bergvall
Thompson – Richarlison – Tel
Supercomputer Predicts Spurs Could Receive a Huge Boost in Relegation Fight
Tottenham may also benefit from results elsewhere this weekend. With Spurs sitting 18th on 34 points — two behind West Ham — Opta’s supercomputer believes the Hammers could face trouble.
West Ham visit Brentford, who are chasing European qualification and performing well at home. According to the model, Brentford have a 54.4% chance of victory, compared to West Ham’s 22.2%.
If Tottenham beat Aston Villa and the Hammers lose, Spurs would climb out of the relegation zone for the first time in weeks, sitting a point above their London rivals.
Spurs Must Take Advantage
Tottenham’s task remains difficult. Villa, under Unai Emery, are pushing for Champions League qualification, but the timing may favour Spurs — Villa have a Europa League tie just before the match, and they have breathing room in the table.
Historically, Tottenham have also performed well at Villa Park, another encouraging factor ahead of Sunday’s clash.
But De Zerbi’s men must deliver. With survival in touching distance, bold decisions and big performances are require.
