Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face Aston Villa on the road in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off.
The Gunners have lost their way in the title race with three winless games. Despite this, they are only goal difference behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand against Everton.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that his side can beat the Villans tomorrow. The Gunners can temporarily climb to the top of the table before the Cityzens face Nottingham Forest on the road.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
Aaron Ramsdale conceded three goals in the midweek defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side but he was not at fault. The England international will be aiming to continue his fine form away from home with another clean sheet.
The defence could see a solitary change from the Cityzens loss. Takehiro Tomiyasu had a poor return to the starting line-up on Wednesday. He gifted the opening goal and was also partly responsible for City’s second.
The Japanese star will most probably drop to the bench with Ben White starting at right-back. The rest of the backline could stay the same, though Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko need to step up tomorrow.
William Saliba has not been at his best either. Hopefully, we will see a more resolute defensive display.
In front of the backline, we could see Jorginho partnering Granit Xhaka again. Jorginho made his maiden Gunners start in midweek and he was by far the best performer. The Italian made a crucial goal-line clearance.
With Thomas Partey doubtful with a muscle injury, the former Chelsea star is expected to continue in the holding midfield role. Xhaka should continue to partner him. The Swiss has to improve his decision-making.
Further forward, Arteta should ponder a change on the back of three winless league games.
It could be time to hand Leandro Trossard with his full league debut. The Belgian could come in for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah should start the game. The latter has much to prove after his midweek showing.
Nketiah could have easily bagged a hat-trick with the chances that were at his disposal. He needs to step up and make the most of his opportunities, particularly with Gabriel Jesus close to making his comeback after injury.
How Arsenal could line up against Aston Villa
