Arsenal will be desperate to continue their title charge with a victory over Aston Villa this afternoon, by which point they could be third in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side are coming off the back of a draining 2-2 midweek draw with Bayern Munich, but know that can ill-afford to slip up in the Premier League after Man City hammered Luton on Saturday.
The clash at the Emirates will follow Liverpool hosting Crystal Palace, but victory will send Arsenal back top regardless of other results. Express Sport takes a look at how the Gunners may line up….
Goalkeeper: David RayaIt’s inconceivable to suggest that barring any fitness issues, Arteta will select anyone other than David Raya in goal for the remainder of the season.
One thing Aston Villa have not been short on is goals, drawing 3-3 at Brentford last Saturday before beating Lille 2-1 on Thursday in the Europa League. For the Spaniard, keeping out Ollie Watkins could be key to his side’s hopes.
Defence: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Oleksandr ZinchenkoArteta wasn’t afraid to call out right-back Ben White for his crucial missed chance against Bayern, but expect a change on the left-hand side of defence when the Gunners host Villa.
Jakub Kiwior struggled against the pace of Leroy Sane and with both both Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby at his disposal, Unai Emery would have taken note.
The Pole is likely to be replaced in the XI by the same man who came on for him on Tuesday, Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT SportsArsenal FC v FC Bayern München: Quarter-final First Leg – UEFA Champions League 2023/24Jakub Kiwior struggled against Leroy Sane on Tuesday.
Midfield: Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Emilie Smith-RoweIn all likelihood, the Spaniard will also rotate in midfield – but won’t risk benching captain Martin Odegaard or the talismanic Declan Rice. Emilie Smith Rowe impressed when given a rare start against Luton this month, and can be trusted to provide the 32-year-old Jorginho with a rest.
The energy of Arsenal’s youthful midfield could be crucial in setting down the creativity of Villa’s Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz.Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro TrossardGabriel Jesus publicly admitting this week he’s playing through pain will again surely render him to the role of impact substitute, with Leandro Trossard the player to displace Gabriel Martinelli.
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After coming on to make vital goalscoring contributions against both Brighton and Bayern in Arsenal’s past two games, the Belgian forward has undoubtedly earned a start alongside Bukayo Saka and the revitalised Kai Havertz. But Jesus and Martinelli could still feature, especially if the hosts need goals in the second half.
Arsenal remain unbeaten in the Premier League in 2024.
And Arteta will be determined to take his side to Wolves next Saturday top of the table, irrespective of what happens at the Allianz Arena in midweek.
