Aston Villa keep Garnacho option open as Abraham presses case
Tottenham v Villa is framed as a tense 'El Crisico', with both sides winless and goal-shy. The preview sees a drab 0-0 as the likeliest outcome before the international break.
Ross Barkley scored at Coventry but his poor display against Tottenham last time leaves Villa facing a midfield dilemma, with Boubacar Kamara and possibly Joao Gomes stronger options.
Villa are linked with River Plate midfielder Tobias Andrada after his strong start. No talks or offers are reported, but Argentina's staff are also said to be tracking the 22-year-old.
Villa and Manchester City are said to be scouting River Plate goalkeeper Santiago Beltran. His release clause is £18.2m, but River want a new deal that could raise it to £86m.
Villa insist the door is not closed on Alejandro Garnacho. Emery remains a believer, saying the winger is behind after pre-season and must keep working and be patient.
Joao Gomes could return for Villa at Tottenham and Matty Cash is back in the squad, but Marco Bizot joins Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana and others on the injury list.
Despite Villa's one point from four league games, Emery is viewed as under less pressure than rivals after last season's fourth-place finish and Europa League triumph.
Gabby Agbonlahor claimed Victor Lindelof 'made Liam Delap look like Romario' before Spurs. The piece argues the criticism is unfair, citing Lindelof's consistency for Villa.
Ibrahim Mbaye starred in Villa's 3-1 win at Coventry, making his first assist. Debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis impressed, while Matteo Ruggeri and Johan Manzambi also stepped up.
Tammy Abraham's brace in Villa's 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Coventry has revived his case to start. The striker said Villa are 'getting to grips with it' and he wants to help.
