Adrian Clarke is looking at key tactical talking points ahead of Matchweek 1.
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Dean Smith is set to stick with a distinctive 4-1-4-1 formation for Aston Villa's challenging Premier League opener at Tottenham Hotspur.
The system transformed Villa's fortunes last season, with midfield talents Jack Grealish and John McGinn key to its success.
The duo were a big influence for Smith's Championship playoff winners, sharing 13 goals and 16 assists.
Villa may arrive back on the Premier League stage with a revamped squad including 12 new faces, but their tactical approach is settled.
This hands box-to-box duo Grealish and McGinn the opportunity to remain as the heartbeat of the side.
Supporting role
Right-footed Grealish usually sits to the left of the central holding role with his Scottish team-mate, a left-footer, operating to the right.
Although Grealish plays slightly higher up the pitch, when either pushes forward the other naturally drops back to cover.
Both offer a goal threat going forward and can ghost into the box when the centre-forward drops deeper to link play.
If Grealish or McGinn are not tracked properly by Spurs' midfielders they will cause problems.
Comfortable in possession
Mauricio Pochettino's side are likely to have more of the ball, but when Villa do have possession, the midfield duo are always a calm presence.
Grealish has flourished as captain and is especially happy to hold on to the ball.
Keen to run at his markers, he was by some distance the most fouled player in the Championship last term.
McGinn, 24, who has just signed a new five-year contract, is another who draws a number of fouls.
Aston Villa 2018/19 (min 1,000mins)
| Player | Grealish | Club rank | McGinn | Club rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touches | 72.33 | 1 | 56.41 | 11 |
| Dribbles attempted/90 | 3.25 | 2 | 2.65 | 4 |
| Total shots/90 | 2.13 | 6 | 2.56 | 3 |
| Fouls won/90 | 4.84 | 1 | 2.73 | 2 |
From free-kicks, either direct or out wide, Smith's side are dangerous.
Villa scored 25 set-piece goals, the most in the second tier, last season.
They remain a threat from set plays, with Conor Hourihane scoring twice in a 3-1 friendly win against RB Leipzig last weekend.
Spurs may be favourites to win this encounter, but Villa will offer Spurs plenty of food for thought.
Also in this series
Part 1: Attack the best form of defence for West Ham
Part 2: Norwich wingers can surprise Liverpool
