Villa vs Arsenal: four important team selection changes compared to last season's line ups

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal finished last season with five wins in a row and begun this campaign like they never left in a dominating home win against Wolves.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, eager to go for the kill, fielded his strongest line-up, which (especially in the first half) proved too much for Gary O'Neill's side.

The next game is against Aston Villa this weekend at Villa Park and one may wonder if it is wrong for Arteta to tinker with that victorious lineup.

But we would urge Arteta not to stick with the same team selection.

Zinchenko had an okay game against the Wolves but there were signs that he was again struggling defensively.

If the Ukrainian international were to start against Villa, he'd be up against the explosive Leon Bailey who "cooked" him twice last season. 

The Jamaican superstar would be salivating at the idea of once again going 1v1 with the Arsenal fullback.

After replacing the former Manchester City star, Timber excelled against the Wolves, showcasing his defensive confidence and ball progression skills.

His presence will make the team more defensively sound and help to nullify Bailey's pace and trickery.

So aside from Timber making his first start this season, we would urge Arteta not to make any alterations to the lineup that began against the Wanderers.

But what is equally important is that this would also mean that compared to last season's team selection, which was the same for both the home and away defeats, Arteta will make three more important changes in the line up:

Partey will come in for Havertz in midfield who will move to the number 9 position. He will replace Jesus who will be on the bench. Also Martinelli will replace Trossard.

These are important changes. Strengthening the midfield, adding more pace on the right wing and more importantly posing a significant goal threat may prove decisive. 

Raya

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Partey, Rice, Odegaard

Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

One thing Arsenal need to do this season is to finally squash Villa. 

A comfortable away victory over the Unai Emery-led team would undoubtedly signal Arsenal's considerable strength and impressive development over the last few years under Arteta.