Arsenal will be aiming to end their two-match winless streak when they take on Aston Villa in today’s Premier League clash at Villa Park.
The Gunners were recently unbeaten for seven top-flight games before the 2-1 loss at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.
The result was probably hard to take for some Gunners fans, given David Luiz’s sending off prior to the interval seemed a little harsh. That decision changed the momentum of the game.
They will be aiming to make amends against Dean Smith’s side. The Gunners have lost the last two encounters against the Villans, but can’t afford another setback in their pursuit of European football.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Mikel Arteta will be forced into a change in goal with Bernd Leno suspended after denying a goalscoring opportunity against Wolves by handling the ball outside of the penalty box.
Mat Ryan, who recently arrived on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, is fit to play after a hip problem. He should make his debut ahead of Alex Runarsson, who has been vulnerable in shot-stopping situations.
Luiz’s sending off means that Gabriel Magalhaes is in line to start a Premier League game for the first time since the turn of the year. Pablo Mari is fit after his calf injury, but the Gunners’ summer signing may get the preference at centre-back.
Elsewhere, no other changes could be on the cards in the defence or the midfield. Regular left-back Kieran Tierney is still out of contention with a lower leg injury and he has been ruled out of the trip to the west Midlands.
In the attack, Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe are likely to keep their spots in the wide attacking positions and the same could be the case with Emile Smith Rowe in the number 10 role.
There is the temptation to start Martin Odegaard, but the Norwegian has played just 10 minutes since his January loan move and may be restricted to another cameo role.
Up front, Alexandre Lacazette could be replaced with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Lacazette alongside Smith Rowe have started each of the last eight league games and former could be handed a breather.
