Roumors about this Arsenal's central defender's availability emerge. Team prediction vs Villa

 By Danong

Fresh from painting North London red, the Gunners will be looking to teach Aston Villa, one of their 2023-24 boogey teams, a lesson.

Last season, Villa managed to do something so rare: they beat us home and away. And losing the Premier League title by 2 points only adds to the sting.

Villa hosted Arsenal earlier this season, last August and Arteta and the boys managed to leave Villa Park with all 3 points albeit needing some remarkable saves early on by Raya to keep us in the game.

This weekend, Villa are coming to North London and I don't see them getting anything from a ground where the Gunners have remained undefeated in the league thus far this season.

For Arsenal out Injured:

- Ethan Nwaneri (muscle)
- Bukayo Saka (hamstring)
- Gabriel Jesus (knee)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)
- Ben White (knee)

Injury Doubts: Riccardo Calafiori.

It is reported however that there are doubts about Saliba's participation.The Evening Standard mention of rumblings on this issue on social media.

If this is true then we will all be concerned. Not only loosing his fantastic defending for today but whether Kiwior can come in and be up to scratch especially since he hasn't played now for a long time.

We have to keep our fingers crossed that he may not be needed as his defending leaves a lot to be desired.

That said, regarding lineup changes, I think Raheem Sterling will be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli. Not that Sterling hasn't been great, but the Brazilian winger should return to the XI and offer a fresh, strong attacking threat. 

I predict Arsenal will line up:

- Raya
- Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber
- Partey, Rice, Ødegaard
- Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard

What About the Opponents?

Speaking to the media, Unai Emery admitted, "Donyell Malen could be involved against Arsenal. Duran won’t face further suspension, which is good news. Barkley, McGinn, Torres, and Diego Carlos are still out."

So, Jhon Duran returns, but these players are out injured:

- Ross Barkley (calf)
- John McGinn (hamstring)
- Pau Torres (foot)
- Diego Carlos (calf)

Villa seem to have rediscovered their form after a mini dip, but Arsenal will be looking to get nothing but 3 points from this match whatever Liverpool's earlier result against Brentford will be.

Also doing the double over Villa will be sweet revenge against Emery and Villa who did the double over us last season.