football.london reporters select their Arsenal starting XIs for the Premier League clasg against Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa could make his debut for Arsenal against Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa could make his debut for Arsenal against Aston Villa(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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After an impressive opening day victory of the season against Coventry City for Arsenal, the Gunners now face what is, on paper, a sterner test. The trip to Aston Villa has been very challenging in recent seasons, and Unai Emery inflicted defeat on Mikel Arteta again last season with the last kick of the game, too.
However, after a 4-0 opening day defeat to Brighton on the south coast, in which new summer signing Joao Gomes was sent off, there has been no doubt a growth in confidence in Arsenal’s ability to win this game. Ezri Konsa could make his debut for Arsenal, and it comes ironically against his former club.
There are many question marks about the team which starts with Bruno Guimaraes, who pushes to recover from a muscular issue from the Community Shield, too, and Arsenal are well equipped and Mikel Arteta gas many options. football.london reporters Tom Canton and Ryan Taylor have selected their starting XIs for the clash with Villa.
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Tom Canton
Finally, Arsenal are back in action! It feels like an age since the win over Coventry City, and my goodness me, how will Tottenham or Chelsea fans be dealing with the long weeks without any action… beats me.
But this trip to Villa is usually one I dread, but the state of both clubs has given me real encouragement for this affair. I wouldn’t, however, be making any changes to the team from the previous round of games.
I could bring in Ezri Konsa, but why rile up the rivals’ fans any more than they already have? Villa and Newcastle United have both developed a real disdain for Arsenal and other established top sides in recent seasons, after seeing so many of their players poached by clubs with more realistic ambitions of major silverware.
Throwing in Konsa here would not be an idea I’d personally want, nor is risking Bruno Guimaraes if he can play. Be safe, stick with the success of matchweek one and bring home another three points.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Aston Villa - Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis
Ryan Taylor
If we're being truthful, there is no need to change a winning team, but Mikel Arteta would have no qualms throwing Ezri Konsa in for Arsenal for a fiery debut away to his old side. I think Konsa is worth replacing Cristhian Mosquera. It may feel risky, but he knows Unai Emery's system like a glove, and he's an upgrade on the young Spaniard.
Mosquera has looked a tad shaky, and I think this is a good chance to integrate Konsa following over a week at the club. The rest of the team picks itself. I don't think it's worth bringing Bruno Guimaraes into the fold when he's not 100 per cent, and his workload is being managed.
Subs could be key in this game, but Arsenal are in the groove, and it's a good time to play Villa while all of their new signings are settling in. They are a wounded animal but if the Gunners turn up, they should be able to make it two wins from two.
Taylor's Arsenal XI vs Aston Villa - Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, MLS; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz