ArsenalArteta drops £45m star, 2 big changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Aston Villa

Arsenal will be aiming to secure back-to-back Premier League victories when they host Aston Villa this evening. Following a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, the Gunners will be looking to build on that momentum and maintain their pursuit of league leaders Liverpool.

The midweek derby saw Arsenal dominate proceedings for large portions of the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities. While the final scoreline flattered Tottenham, the Gunners should have comfortably secured a more substantial victory.

Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to make a few tactical adjustments for the encounter with Aston Villa.

In goal, David Raya is set to retain his place between the sticks. The Spanish goalkeeper delivered a solid performance against Tottenham, making a crucial save to deny Dejan Kulusevski. Although he was beaten by Heung-min Son’s deflected effort, Raya’s overall performance was commendable.

The backline is likely to remain unchanged. While Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori have returned to training, the game against Aston Villa may come too soon for their full recovery. Therefore, Jurrien Timber is expected to continue at right-back.

On the left flank, Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to retain his position. The young Arsenal graduate delivered an impressive performance against Tottenham, showcasing his defensive solidity and composure on the ball. He completed 94% of his passes while contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts with six recoveries and three tackles.

The central defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to remain intact. The duo has formed a formidable partnership this season, providing a solid foundation for the team’s defensive structure.

In midfield, Mikel Arteta may opt for a slight alteration. Thomas Partey, despite his overall contribution, may be replaced by Jorginho in the defensive midfield role. The £45 million signing had a mixed performance against Tottenham, displaying some lapses in concentration and losing possession on several occasions. Jorginho, with his experience and composure, could offer a more stable presence in the heart of midfield. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are expected to continue their partnership in central midfield, providing creativity and dynamism to the Arsenal attack

Further forward, changes are also anticipated. Raheem Sterling, despite his decent passing accuracy against Tottenham, failed to consistently threaten the opposition goal. His performance lacked the cutting edge and attacking impetus that Arsenal often rely upon.

As a result, Sterling could be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger possesses explosive pace and the ability to stretch the opposition defense, creating space for his teammates. His direct running style could prove crucial in breaking down Aston Villa’s defense and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Leandro Trossard is expected to retain his place on the left flank following his impressive performance against Tottenham. His goal against their North London rivals was a moment of individual brilliance and a testament to his growing influence on the team.

Kai Havertz, despite his recent struggles in front of goal, is expected to lead the line. The German forward has faced criticism for his lack of clinical finishing, but Arteta continues to show faith in his abilities. Havertz will need to improve his performance and contribute significantly to the team’s attacking output.

This predicted lineup reflects a potential tactical shift from Arteta, emphasizing a more balanced and defensively solid approach. The inclusion of Jorginho in midfield could provide greater stability and protection to the backline, while the introduction of Martinelli adds a dimension of pace and directness to the Arsenal attack.

The match against Aston Villa will be a crucial test for Arsenal as they strive to maintain their momentum and challenge for the Premier League title. A victory would not only boost their confidence but also send a strong message to their rivals.