Arsenal suffered a setback in their top-four chase after losing 2-0 to Liverpool in midweek and they will be keen to get back to winning ways when they visit Aston Villa on Saturday.
The loss to Liverpool snapped Arsenal’s five-game win streak in the Premier League which had propelled them into the top four. The Gunners are currently one point clear of fifth-placed Manchester United with two games in hand.
Aston Villa will also be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham United last time out.
The last time these two sides met, Arsenal cruised to a 3-1 victory courtesy goals from Thomas Partey, the departed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Emile Smith Rowe.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta might be forced to rotate a few players given the short turnaround following the loss to Liverpool. Takehiro Tomiyasu is in contention to return after being sidelined since January with a problematic calf.
Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe are also pushing for a start.
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale had a rare off-day against Liverpool. The Englishman, who has been one of the Gunners’ finest players this season, was beaten at the near post by Diogo Jota which broke Arsenal’s resistance on the night. He will be raring to make amends against Villa.
Defenders
Arteta confirmed that Tomiyasu “has a chance” to be fit for Saturday’s clash, but the Japan international might not be risked ahead of the international break. Cedric Soares should keep his spot on the right, with Kieran Tierney starting at left-back.
Gabriel and Ben White did a decent job containing Liverpool’s potent front three for nearly an hour in their previous fixture and they should continue in central defence.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka has excelled in a more advanced role in recent weeks and he should keep his spot in midfield alongside the dynamic Thomas Partey.
Martin Odegaard is the Gunners’ most creative player and will retain his No. 10 position. The Norwegian was kept quiet by Liverpool’s midfield and he will be looking to make an impact against Villa.
Attackers
Arsenal’s lack of options upfront means Alexandre Lacazette will continue to lead the line. The Frenchman finally got on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win against Leicester City last weekend, but was starved of service against the Reds.
Gabriel Martinelli ran himself into the ground against Jurgen Klopp’s side. He was perhaps Arsenal’s best player on the night and Arteta might be tempted to give him a rest. Emile Smith Rowe will likely replace the Brazilian on the left flank.
The right flank is a toss-up between Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka. The Ivorian has impressed off the bench in the last few weeks and might just be handed a rare start.
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