Arsenal team news: Predicted XI vs Aston Villa as Calafiori and Sterling calls made | Football | Sport
Arsenal will be hoping to keep the pressure on Liverpool by claiming all three points against Aston Villa this afternoon.
The north Londoners currently sit four points behind the Premier League leaders, who still have a game in hand to play against rivals Everton next month.
Mikel Arteta‘s side will go into the match against Villa without several key players including the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Ben White. However, they will be full of confidence after securing a morale-boosting victory over Tottenham in midweek.
Express Sport takes a look at how the Gunners could line up this weekend…
Arsenal predicted XI vs Aston Villa
Goalkeeper – Raya
David Raya will take up his usual place between the sticks, with the Spaniard a certain starter unless he is injured. He has played every single minute in the Premier League this season, averaging a clean sheet every three games.
He will certainly need to be at his best to keep the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers at bay this afternoon.
Defence – Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
Riccardo Calafiori has missed Arsenal‘s last three games due to injury and remains a doubt ahead of today’s match. If he is unable to play, it could see Myles Lewis-Skelly keep his place at left-back after impressing against Tottenham.
The rest of the back four is likely to remain unchanged with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes all poised to start.
Midfield – Rice, Partey, Odegaard
There is no reason for Arsenal to deviate from the midfield trio which started the game against Tottenham. Declan Rice and Thomas Partey will provide stability in the engine room while helping to build attacks from deeper positions.
Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, grabbed an assist in the north London derby and will once again be the Gunners’ chief creator.
Attack – Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz
Raheem Sterling was drafted into the starting line-up against Tottenham but struggled to impress out wide. He will surely be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli, who has proven himself as a better fit on the right flank.
Arsenal currently have just four fit forwards at their disposal, meaning the other two positions will be unchanged with Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz keeping their spots.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Aston Villa – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz.
