Tottenham vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Spurs suffer third straight defeat

For Aston Villa, there is only one change as Carlos comes in for Tielemans. It’s unclear what that means formation-wise at this stage for Unai Emery’s side. It could mean a back five, with Cash and Digne operating as wing-backs or it could be a back four, with Konsa playing right-back and the aforementioned Cash ahead of him in midfield.

Only time will tell with that one.

Well, a few interesting things to note from those line-ups. No place in central defence for Dier, with Emerson coming in to start at centre-back alongside Davies. And in central midfield, Lo Celso and Bentancur will partner one another as Hojbjerg drops to the bench and Pape Sarr misses out with injury.

There’s also a first start of the season for Bryan Gil with Kulusevski down to play more centrally. An exciting XI named by Postecoglou.

And the teams are in:

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Emerson Royal, Davies, Udogie; Bentancur, Lo Celso; Kulusevski, Bryan, Son, Johnson

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Luiz; McGinn; Diaby, Watkins

Gary Lineker led the tributes to his former England manager Terry Venables, who passed away aged 80 following a long illness.

Venables took charge of England in 1994 and led them to the Euro 1996 semi-finals when they were knocked out on penalties by Germany.

“Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died,” Lineker said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for. He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”

Some sad news before today’s fixture as former England manager and player Terry Venables has died at the age of 80.

Venables played twice for England but he was more well known for his managerial than playing career, and was in charge of the national side between 1994 and 1996, when he led the team to the semi-finals of the Euros, before they were knocked out on penalties by Germany.

Known as El Tel, he also played for and managed Tottenham. The club have announced that a minute’s silence will be held before kick-off and players will wear a black armband in memory.

Aston Villa could move above their opposition today with a win in North London but will have to correct their indifferent away form if they are to do so.

Emery’s side have the best home record in the league - perfect through six games - but have won just two games out of six away fixtures so far this season.

“Naturally, it is more difficult than playing at home, but it is not an excuse. The way to improve is to create and build a structure, with the ball and without the ball,” the Spaniard reflected.

“Tottenham are playing brilliantly, they are very strong at home and we are going to fight. Of course, it’s a big challenge for everybody and we have to be competitive. I am very motivated for Sunday, the players as well.”

With plenty of injuries in central midfielder, the Argentine could be set for a key role in the coming weeks as he tries to prove his worth to this new-look Spurs side.

Signed four years ago towards the end of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, the Argentina international worked with current Villa boss Unai Emery at Villarreal last season, but could get the chance to haunt his old manager this weekend.

“I looked at Gio really well before I got here, both here at Tottenham and his spells at other clubs,” Postecoglou said.

“You can see he has certain qualities. He’s had a disruptive season for us. He’s had a few injuries, he hasn’t really had a clean run at it.

“He’s one of a number of players that has happened to, but you can see technically, he’s a very creative player, he works hard for the team. He’ll get an opportunity over the next few weeks to hopefully come in and make an impact.”

Ange Postecoglou is excited to see Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur close to his best again amid a growing injury crisis at the club.

Spurs host Aston Villa on Sunday with at least nine first-team players ruled out and Pape Sarr a doubt after he returned with a knock from international duty with Senegal.

A much-needed positive for the Australian is the return to fitness of Bentancur, who made his first competitive start in nine months in Uruguay’s 3-0 win over Bolivia on Tuesday after a serious knee injury.

“The fact Rodrigo got an opportunity to start (for Uruguay) is good for us. It gives him that confidence that he’s able to get through a game,” Postecoglou said.

“The beauty of him is he can play a couple of different areas. I think he can play as a six, he can play further forward as an eight and he’s even creative. I think he can score goals as well.

We’ll get confirmed team news in about 40 minutes, but here is how we are predicting both teams to line up:

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Dier, Davies, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Lo Celso; Kulusevski, Son, Johnson

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Luiz; McGinn, Tielemans; Diaby, Watkins

Tottenham remain without several key players, with James Maddison and Micky van de Ven out until the New Year. To add to that, Yves Bissouma is suspended and Pape Matar Sarr is a doubt after picking up a knock on international duty. Destiny Udogie is fit, however, while Rodrigo Bentancur could make his first Tottenham start in nine months. Cristian Romero remains suspended.

Aston Villa could welcome back Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno while all of Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, John McGinn, Leon Bailey and Nicolo Zaniolo are expected to be fit after overcoming minor injuries.