Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa today - Premier League
- Arsenal head into gameweek 33 top of the Premier League table
- Mikel Arteta eyeing improved performance after 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich
- Gabriel Jesus left fans concerned by admitting he is playing through pain
By Tom Gott
Arsenal's next test on their quest to lift the Premier League title comes in the form of a visit from Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Gunners head into gameweek 33's action top of the standings with a slim advantage over Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom play earlier in the weekend, so they cannot afford to drop points at this crucial stage of the season.
Here's how Mikel Arteta could set up for this one.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya - Raya's run without conceding a goal came to an end at the hands of Bayern Munich in midweek but he hasn't shipped a Premier League goal since February 24.
RB: Ben White - A new-found attacking freedom has seen White elevate his game to new heights in recent weeks, and Arsenal will hope for more of the same here.
CB: William Saliba - There's no denying that Saliba didn't have his best game against Bayern but that was nowhere near enough for Arteta to even contemplate dropping the Frenchman.
CB: Gabriel - Despite a fitness scare, Gabriel played 90 minutes in midweek. Arteta declined to give any further update during Friday's press conference, suggesting the centre-back is still going strong.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko - Jakub Kiwior was run ragged during his time on the pitch against Bayern, with Arteta likely to keep faith with Zinchenko here.
DM: Jorginho - Is Jorginho tired? Sure, but at this point of the season, with big games coming thick and fast, Arteta may avoid making too many changes in the hope of handing Jorginho a rest in the second half if all goes to plan.
CM: Declan Rice - Another who could do with a rest, Rice rarely gets substituted if Arsenal aren't several goals clear in the late stages.
CM: Martin Odegaard - Arteta has spoken highly of Emile Smith Rowe recently but will likely keep Odegaard in the team until the job is done.
RW: Bukayo Saka - Saka impressed against Bayern and Arteta will hope for more early goals from his starboy.
ST: Kai Havertz - Gabriel Jesus' recent admission that he is playing through pain won't help his chances of displacing Havertz.
LW: Leandro Trossard - Gabriel Martinelli is still finding his feet back from injury, while Trossard netted off the bench against Bayern. This should be a simple decision for Arteta.
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