Aston Villa Predicted XI vs Tottenham: Buendia Starts, Gomes Doubt

Aston Villa Predicted XI vs Tottenham: Emi Buendia backed to start as Unai Emery weighs injury calls

Aston Villa head to Tottenham with Unai Emery balancing momentum and availability. Villa beat Coventry 3-1 in the Carabao Cup, but team selection is the bigger question ahead of a tougher Premier League test. Here is the full predicted XI, injury latest and what it means.

Fixture: Tottenham vs Aston Villa, Premier League
Predicted XI: Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Mings, Ruggeri; Kamara, Gomes; McGinn, Buendia, Hemmings; Jackson
Key doubt: Joao Gomes (discomfort) – if unfit, Ross Barkley comes in
Returning: Matty Cash back in squad; Victor Lindelof expected to start
Upfront: Nicolas Jackson expected to lead the line despite Tammy Abraham's brace vs Coventry
At stake: Villa's momentum under Emery against a top-six rival in north London

Predicted Aston Villa XI vs Tottenham

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Zion Suzuki; Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Tyrone Mings, Ruggeri; Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes; John McGinn, Emi Buendia, George Hemmings; Nicolas Jackson

Substitutes: Not stated in the source.

Selection notes

Emery has a few moving parts to manage. Matty Cash returned to the squad against Coventry, while Joao Gomes sat out after feeling discomfort. Both are central to the shape Villa are expected to use in north London. Marco Bizot also picked up a back injury in midweek, though that was unlikely to alter the plan here with Zion Suzuki expected to start regardless.

The defensive line looks set for changes. Victor Lindelof is expected to return in central defence, with Tyrone Mings a strong candidate to partner him. Taylor Harwood-Bellis did well against Coventry, but one decent cup outing does not automatically put him ahead in the pecking order. At right-back, Cash gives Emery a more established option if fully fit. On the left, Ruggeri remains the logical pick.

Midfield is where the real doubt sits. Boubacar Kamara should come back into the side and, if Joao Gomes is passed fit, that pairing gives Villa more control and bite. If Gomes is unavailable, Ross Barkley is the obvious alternative, though the balance shifts. Emery will want security in possession against Tottenham, and Kamara offers that. Gomes, if ready, adds the legs and aggression Villa need away from home.

Further forward, Emi Buendia looks the sensible call. He is trusted by Emery, he knows the role, and he has a strong record against Tottenham. John McGinn should continue from the right, with George Hemmings on the left after a run of starts. Nicolas Jackson is still expected to lead the line, even after Tammy Abraham scored twice in midweek. Cup goals help, but league choices are usually made on hierarchy and fit.

Injury and availability

Matty Cash: Returned to the squad against Coventry; gives Emery a more established option at right-back if fully fit.
Joao Gomes: Sat out the Coventry game after feeling discomfort; a real doubt. If passed fit, he starts alongside Boubacar Kamara.
Marco Bizot: Picked up a back injury in midweek, but that was unlikely to alter the plan with Zion Suzuki expected to start regardless.
Ross Barkley: The obvious alternative if Joao Gomes is unavailable, though the balance shifts.

Why Emery trusts Buendia against Tottenham

Emi Buendia has a strong record against Tottenham, and Emery trusts him in the role. That matters. Against a side that will press and leave spaces, Buendia's ability to find pockets between the lines is exactly what Villa need. He is not a runner in behind, but he links the midfield and attack, and his understanding with John McGinn and George Hemmings will be crucial.

If Joao Gomes is passed fit, Villa have a midfield pairing with both control and bite. Boubacar Kamara offers security in possession, while Gomes adds the legs and aggression needed away from home. Without Gomes, Ross Barkley comes in, but the balance shifts — Barkley is more progressive, less combative, and Tottenham could exploit the extra space in midfield.

Upfront, Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line despite Tammy Abraham's brace against Coventry. Cup goals help, but league choices are usually made on hierarchy and fit. Jackson's pace in behind could trouble a high Tottenham line, while Abraham offers a different profile from the bench.

Talking points

Should Tammy Abraham start after scoring twice against Coventry, or does Nicolas Jackson's league form keep him ahead? Emery's hierarchy suggests Jackson, but two goals are hard to ignore.
If Joao Gomes is not fit, does Ross Barkley's creativity outweigh his defensive shortcomings against a strong Tottenham midfield?
Victor Lindelof returning ahead of Taylor Harwood-Bellis is a harsh call on the youngster, but Emery wants experience in a difficult away game. Is that the right move?
Emi Buendia's record against Tottenham makes him a strong pick. But can he deliver the same impact if Villa are overrun in midfield?

What happens next

Aston Villa travel to Tottenham for their next Premier League fixture. Unai Emery will make a final decision on Joao Gomes and Matty Cash after late fitness checks. Three points in north London would maintain Villa's momentum under Emery and keep them in the hunt for European places. Anything less, and questions about squad depth will resurface.

Frequently asked questions

Is Emi Buendia starting for Aston Villa vs Tottenham?

Yes, Emi Buendia is expected to start. He is trusted by Unai Emery, knows the role, and has a strong record against Tottenham.

Is Joao Gomes fit to play against Tottenham?

Joao Gomes is a doubt after feeling discomfort and sitting out the Coventry game. If he is passed fit, he starts alongside Boubacar Kamara. If not, Ross Barkley is the obvious alternative.

Who starts up front for Aston Villa vs Tottenham?

Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line, even after Tammy Abraham scored twice against Coventry. Cup goals help, but league choices are usually made on hierarchy and fit.