'They just find a way': Matt Maher and Jonny Drury analysis after Aston Villa take derby bragging rights
The confirmed team news for Aston Villa v Arsenal in the Premier League.
Good afternoon from Villa Park, where Aston Villa face off with Arsenal in a hotly anticipated top-three Premier League clash.
Although Unai Emery doesn’t want to discuss a title race, insisting it’s far too soon for such talk, there’s certainly plenty on the line today. Villa, who have won eight of their last nine Premier League fixtures, can move within three points of leaders Arsenal with a win today.
On the flip side, Arsenal can build their gap to third-placed Villa to a substantial nine points with a victory of their own. The Gunners will be eager to repeat what they did last August, as they ran out 2-0 victors at Villa Park — and they were the only team to win on Villa’s turf in the league all of last campaign.
Emery, looking to maintain his side’s imperious recent form, has made two changes from the side that beat Brighton & Hove Albion in a 4-3 thriller midweek. Emiliano Martinez returns after getting injured in the warm-up at the American Express Stadium, whereas Youri Tielemans heads back into the XI.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has made three changes, with Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber back in the team after being rested in the 2-0 win against Brentford. Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera drop out of the lineup.
Aston Villa v Arsenal lineups
Without further ado, here’s how both teams shape up today.
Villa XI: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen; Onana, Kamara; McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Watkins.
Villa subs: Bizot (GK), Lindelof, Digne, Garcia, Bogarde, Hemmings, Buendia, Malen, Sancho.
Arsenal XI: Raya (GK); White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Eze, Merino.
Arsenal subs: Arrizabalaga (GK), Salmon, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Martinelli, Madueke, Trossard, Gyokeres.
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