Unai Emery explains why Aston Villa must be ready to face Tottenham's best

Villa head into the match aiming for a win to keep alive hopes of a top-five finish and qualifying for the Champions League.

The visitors, 17th in the table, face Manchester United in the Europa League final next Wednesday.

But Emery is predicting opposite number Ange Postecoglou will field his strongest team possible at Villa Park as the best means of preparation.

He said: “How they are performing in the Europa League is really fantastic. They are in the final.

“How can they prepare? They are going to play with their better players, they are going to try and compete in getting the best performances to get ready for the final. 

“To play in the Premier League each match for the supporters, as well as the league, is simple. 

“I expect from them the best preparation for tomorrow and the final with the best players they have. I know tomorrow we have to get our best and we have to play our focus 100 per cent respecting them.”

Friday’s match was brought forward from the original Sunday date at just 10 days' notice to allow the visitors more time to prepare for their European final.

Villa, unbeaten at home in the Premier League since losing their opening match to Arsenal last August, have won eight of their last 10 league games.

Victory on Friday would propel them into the top five and put pressure on their rivals.

Emery said: “I am wishing to play, I don't want holiday because we are in a very good moment after a long season. 

“Now we are very, very motivated, very excited to play in Villa Park tomorrow for our objectives we have in front of us to play again in Europe. 

“It is not in our hands, but we can have some chance to play CL again. We are focusing again in Tottenham. I know they most difficult way we can have is and how we can beat them.”