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Arsenal face off against Aston Villa in today’s early Premier League clash at Villa Park.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta could make a few changes from the 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been ever-present in goal in the Premier League and will be eyeing his ninth clean sheet of the season.
The backline could witness two changes from the midweek derby win.
William Saliba is likely to be fit after a minor injury and should come in to partner Piero Hincapie in central defence.
Ben White could make way for Jurrien Timber, who is the Gunners’ first-choice for the right-back position.
Similarly, Riccardo Calafiori is guaranteed to start in the left-back role.
Declan Rice is reportedly fit after his midweek injury scare and should partner Martin Zubimend in central midfield.
Martin Odegaard looks poised to start as the attacking midfielder, while Eberechi Eze could come in on the left wing.
Gabriel Martinelli has had two poor outings on the left side of the attack. Eze has eight goal contributions against Villa and should start there.
On the right wing, Noni Madueke will be replaced by Bukayo Saka, who was handed a breather on Wednesday night. He still came on and scored in stoppage time.
With Villa’s high defensive line, it could be time to start Viktor Gyokeres over Mikel Merino. He could use his strong physical presence and pace behind their defence.
Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Gyokeres.
