The Gunners started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka stood out with a goal and an assist apiece
They now face the Villans on the road and it could be a tricky encounter. Unai Emery’s side did the double over the Gunners last term including a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
The defeat proved costly in the end. The Gunners went on to win their remaining league games, but missed out on the title to Manchester City by two points.
Mikel Arteta will be aiming to avenge the loss at Villa Park. The Spanish tactician could make two changes from the curtain-raiser against Wolves last weekend.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
David Raya was superb between the sticks in the season opener. He made a terrific reflex save in the opening half which was praised by Wolves manager Gary O’Neil. The Spaniard will be eyeing another clean sheet on the road.
In front of him, Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should be nailed-on starters. Saliba made a rare error against Wolves, but his blushes were saved by a tame effort from Matheus Cunha into the hands of Raya.
We anticipate Arteta to make a change at left-back with Oleksandr Zinchenko making way for Jurrien Timber. The Ukrainian lost possession on 11 occasions in 69 minutes, winning just four out of 10 duels. He made three fouls.
He had a good pre-season, but looked vulnerable with his decision-making. Villa could target him with the pace of Leon Bailey. With this in mind, we would prefer Timber, who won the same number of duels as Zinchenko in his short cameo.
In midfield, it could be Jorginho over Thomas Partey, who was guilty of losing possession in front of the defence on multiple occasions. The manager may want more ball control and could play the Italian in the number six position this evening.
Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard should complete the midfield as usual. Rice played in an attacking role against Wolves, completing 100 percent of his passes. He could have more defensive work against the Villans to negate any counter-attacks.
Further forward, we don’t see any changes. Saka and Havertz are nailed-on starters after stand-out performers last weekend. Gabriel Martinelli was not at his best, but we would prefer his pace on the left wing over Leandro Trossard, who is more effective off the bench.
