Arsenal are preparing for a top-of-the-table clash against Aston Villa on Tuesday night at the Emirates.
The Gunners won their last game. It was a 2-1 win against Brighton at the Amex Stadium over the weekend. Mikel Arteta will have been relived after what was a narrow victory, but things won’t get any easier for the Arsenal boss.
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Villa managed to beat the Gunners last time they met earlier in December, and they remain on their long winning streak. Unai Emery’s side have won their last 11 matches in the Premier League, and could go level on points if they beat Arsenal on Tuesday.
With that in mind, Arteta will need his best team selection possible against Aston Villa, and this is how GoonerNews think he will line up his side…
Calafiori and Gabriel return in defence
GK – David Raya –Raya made a spectacular save against Brighton last time out, helping the Gunners to three points.
LB – Riccardo Calafiori – Calafiori has been injured, but he should be available to start against Villa on Tuesday.
CB – Gabriel – The Brazilian has been out since November. He came on against Brighton, and will start if fit enough on Tuesday.
CB – William Saliba –Saliba will be delighted to get his centre-back partner back if he’s fit enough against Villa.
RB – Piero Hincapie – With both Ben White and Jurrien Timber injured, Hincapie could feature as a right-back for Arteta.
Odegaard starts after scoring for Arsenal last time out
CM – Martin Zubimendi – The Spaniard will be tasked with keeping the tough Aston Villa midfield quiet.
CM – Declan Rice –Rice played as a right-back last time out. He should move back to midfield this week though.
CAM – Martin Odegaard – The Arsenal captain scored against Brighton, and is getting back to his best for the Gunners.
Trossard starts ahead of Eze in attack
LW – Leandro Trossard – Trossard has the confidence of Arteta at the moment, and he’s been starting ahead of Eberechi Eze.
RW – Bukayo Saka – Saka continues to start on the right-wing, as he could be a key player for the title run-in for Arsenal.
ST – Viktor Gyokeres – The Sweden international hopes to bag a goal to help the Gunners overcome Emery’s side.
Click here to see Arsenal’s latest injury news and expected return dates.