Arsenal will welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates later today as they look to get back to winning ways, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.
After winning three games in a row, the Gunners have drawn their last two games including the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
As for the visitors, their form has been patchy, but they are just one point behind the hosts. Looking to respond to the draw against Palace, how will Mikel Arteta select his playing XI for this game?
The north Londoners began the last match in a 4-3-3 formation but that is likely to change to a 4-2-3-1. This offers the defence a little more protection and that is needed against Villa’s attackers.
The defence will stay the same with Aaron Ramsdale starting in goal once again. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran will start as the right and left-back respectively. In the centre of defence, it is going to be Ben White and Gabriel.
After being on the bench on Monday, this game should see Albert Sambi Lokonga start along with Thomas Partey. Both the central midfielders will have to be careful or there could be a lot of space to exploit for the likes of Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia.
If these two can stop counterattacks from developing and set the tempo, the Gunners stand a good chance of winning.
Bukayo Saka is a doubt for the game and that should see Emile Smith Rowe come back into the starting XI. The Englishman should be stationed on the left-wing, and it is a position where he has done well. Completing the midfield trio will be Martin Odegaard in the middle and Nicolas Pepe on the right-wing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should start as the centre forward despite Alexandre Lacazette’s sparkling cameo against Palace. The captain has found his shooting boots this season and will be called upon to provide the north Londoners with a cutting edge.
Arsenal need to get the three points as failure to do so, would be more evidence of the club not keeping up with their competition. It will not be easy against a team that is excellent in attack and has one of the league’s best keepers. But with a strong attack themselves, the hosts have a great chance to secure the win.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):
Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Read More: Arsenal Team News ahead of Aston Villa game: Bukayo Saka
