Aston Villa will be aiming to continue their dominant form at home on Saturday when they welcome league leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Villans will head into the game having earned a 1-0 win in their last fixture against reigning champions Manchester City. Their latest victory, which saw them climb above Man City in the Premier League table, was the most impressive of Unai Emery’s reign so far. With that, they also made it 14 straight wins at Villa Park.
So, Unai Emery’s side will undoubtedly back themselves to beat Arsenal, who come into this game off the back of a riveting 4-3 win at Luton Town in midweek.
Aston Villa Team News
Bertrand Traore should be returning to the fold soon, but Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia are long-term absentees for Aston Villa.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup vs Arsenal (4-4-1-1)
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martinez produced a couple of top saves when called upon against Man City in midweek. The Argentinean World Cup winner hopes to build on the clean sheet with a strong showing against his former club.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, Matty Cash could return to the starting XI at right-back, with Ezri Konsa shifting back into his preferred centre-back position. Pau Torres will partner Konsa in the heart of Aston Villa’s defence, meaning Diego Carlos drops out here. Meanwhile, Lucas Digne is unmovable from the first XI due to his fine form.
The Villa’s defensive quartet have to be on their toes throughout the game to keep a clean sheet against a free-scoring Arsenal side.
Midfield
As for the midfield unit, Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara will retain their partnership in the double pivot. The duo will look to control the proceedings from the middle of the park, with the former providing the creative impetus from deep.
John McGinn and Leon Bailey will operate as the wide midfielders, hoping to provide energy, tenacity and drive to Villa’s engine room. Out of possession, the duo will tuck in to aid the central midfielders and help Villa maintain their strong shape.
Jacob Ramsey and Nicolo Zaniolo could come off the bench in the second half to add more solidity to the hosts’ midfield unit.
Attack
Youri Tielemans will operate as the advanced midfielder, hoping to provide the spark and imagination to unlock the Arsenal defence. He will look to link up well with Ollie Watkins, who will be raring to score against the Gunners after firing a blank in midweek.
Given Leon Bailey’s fine recent form, Moussa Diaby has to be content with a spot on the bench.
