Ange Postecoglou has revealed his plans to keep his players wrapped in ‘cotton wool’ ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Aston Villa this Friday.
Spurs have just one final Premier League match remaining before their Europa League showdown with Manchester United next week.
As a result, expect wholesale changes from Postecoglou, who saw Brennan Johnson suffer an injury scare during an opening training session.
The Australian joked: “I’m putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy [Sergio Reguilon] tackled Brennan, and they’re on the same team, so that is the way things are going!”
Tottenham requested that the fixture be moved to Friday, meaning they have the same recovery time as Man United for the final in Bilbao.
Such a decision angered Unai Emery‘s Aston Villa, who are on the cusp of returning to the Champions League.
The Villains know they need to win their last two matches and hope one of Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City, or Nottingham Forest drops points.
Aston Villa
Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed number one at Villa Park.
Matty Cash is set to keep his place at right-back, with Emery having a decision to make over who he partners Ezri Konsa with in the centre.
Last weekend it was Tyrone Mings, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Pau Torres start this one.
At left-back, he also has a choice between Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen, with the Dutchman in line to start.
Youri Tielemans is injured, so it depends on what Emery wants from his midfield.
Boubacar Kamara will start, but he could be alongside John McGinn, Ross Barkley or Amadou Onana.
Jacob Ramsey is suspended after two yellow cards against Bournemouth.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see McGinn on the left, leaving Onana to partner Kamara.
On the right, Morgan Rogers is the clear favourite to start with Marco Asensio behind Ollie Watkins.
Watkins surpassed talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor on Saturday to become the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, and he’ll be out for more here.
Man United loanee Marcus Rashford remains sidelined.
Tottenham
After suffering 20 defeats in the Premier League this season, the only match that matters for Spurs is the Europa League final.
As a result, expect to see Postecoglou take as few risks as possible.
Antonin Kinsky started between the sticks on Sunday, and he’ll likely keep his place over Guglielmo Vicario.
Pedro Porro should start at right-back to allow Djed Spence to be at left-back and give Destiny Udogie a rest.
Given their injury problems, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are almost certain to be on the bench, leaving Kevin Danso and Ben Davies to fill in.
In midfield, Spurs are already without James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, so expect to see Archie Gray start in his natural position.
Yves Bissouma is unlikely to be involved, so Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr will probably start.
In attack, Heung-min Son will hope to start as he looks to get some game time into his legs before the final.
However, it could be deemed too much of a risk, meaning Mikey Moore should be in the XI.
On the opposite side, Brennan Johnson is the first-choice right winger, so Wilson Odobert should take his place for this one.
Dejan Kulusevski also limped off at the weekend, so he won’t be risked.
And up front, it would be a huge surprise if Tottenham chance Dominic Solanke‘s fitness, with Mathys Tel taking a spot in the XI.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham: Date and how to follow
This Premier League game will take place on Friday, May 16.
Kick-off at Villa Park is scheduled for 7:30pm.
talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage from the Midlands, with Nigel Adderley and former England defender Micky Gray providing commentary.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
talkSPORT.com will also be across the action via our dedicated live blog.
