Aston Villa receive Emi Martinez boost ahead of Tottenham but four doubts and one returns

Aston Villa will arrive in north London for their New Year Day’s clash against Tottenham with goalkeeper Emi Martinez returning after his World Cup heroics with Argentina.

Unai Emery’s side lost 3-1 to Liverpool on Boxing Day while Spurs had to come back from behind to draw 2-2 with Brentford. The Lillywhites have made a habit of giving teams head starts before clawing back deficits in recent games.

The draw game against Brentford was the sixth in their last seven which they’ve had to come from behind to rescue something, they will have to find a solution to that if they’re to take all three points against Villa.

All eyes will be on goalkeeper Emi Martinez for Villa as he played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph and even a bigger role in their celebrations afterwards. The goalkeeper’s return will be a big source of strength and lift to Villa.

Goalkeeper Jed Steer is still a doubt and even if he was fit, there was little chance he’d play with the return of Martinez. Tottenham will be without Lucas Moura who is still not ready as well as striker Richarlison who returned from the World Cup with a tendon issue.

Spurs though will be able to recall Hugo Lloris who was on the bench at Brentford and are expected to have Cristian Romero again after he was given time off to celebrate his World Cup triumph. Both teams will be desperate to start the year on the right foot which sets it all up for an entertaining encounter.