Arsenal had the golden chance to open up a sizeable gap at the top of the Premier League table but sadly, they went down 3-1 to Manchester City in midweek.
The loss means City are now level on points with the Gunners but Mikel Arteta’s men have played one game less so they still have a chance to move ahead from Manchester City. Next up, they will take on Aston Villa on Saturday and from now onwards, every game is a must-win for them.
Villa have failed to win their previous two matches but after the loss to Man City, Arsenal now suddenly find themselves on a four-match winless streak. City are on the top of the league table because they have a better goal difference which is why the Gunners have to beat Villa on Saturday at any cost. If they don’t win at the weekend, not only will Guardiola’s men remain on the top but even Manchester United will have the chance to come within touching distance.
Arsenal’s team news and injuries:
Tomiyasu started at right-back ahead of Ben White vs Man City but that rotation did not have the desired effect. White should be coming back into the first XI against Aston Villa.
Apart from this one chance, the manager does not have the luxury to make any other major changes to his back line.
Thomas Partey picked up a late injury which ruled him out of Wednesday’s game and it doesn’t look like he will be fit for the weekend. If Partey is not available then Jorginho will remain in the team.
The manager updated on Partey’s injury: ‘It’s part of football. There are no excuses. We’ll have to assess Thomas to see how bad it is. [It was] a very late, very, very late [fitness call].’
Gabriel Jesus is still ruled out and as per the latest updates, he is still a few weeks ago from returning to training. Jesus’ absence means Eddie Nketiah will continue leading the line with Bukayo Saka and Martinelli on either wing.
Leandro Trossard came on as a sub in midweek and if Mikel Arteta has rotation in mind then the new arrival could get a start ahead of Martinelli.
Arsenal predicted line up vs Aston Villa:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, Ben White; Xhaka, Jorginho; Odegaard, Trossard/Martinelli, Saka; Nketiah.
