Arsenal vs Aston Villa | 2022/23 PL | Team News, Injuries & Line-up

Arsenal Vs Aston Villa, Arsenal v Aston Villa

Arsenal welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates tonight for the mid-week fixture. The Gunners have raised eyebrows with their performances this season, collecting maximum points in their first four games against Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Bournemouth and Fulham. While these may be considered winnable games, their performances, game-play and tactical organisation has dazzled fans and spectators alike.

The North London side also kept two clean sheets, against Palace and Bournemouth, proving nearly impenetrable in defence. Arsenal and Aston Villa in their 31 meetings have drawn four, while Villa have won eight to the Gunners’ nineteen wins. Arteta’s side won 3-1 at home last season and managed to hold on to a 1-0 win away against the Lions.

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Steven Gerrard, Mikel Arteta — Image Obtained via Rangers Review

Steven Gerrard’s men were beaten at Bournemouth on the opening weekend of the season before recording a 2-1 victory over Everton at Villa Park, but they have now lost their last two in the Premier League, suffering a 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace before a 1-0 loss to West Ham last time out.

Injury/Suspension List:

No major changes to be expected in the starting lineup which is performing exceptionally at the start of this season. Arsenal were missing Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko against Fulham due to knee and thigh problems respectively, and the former will certainly be out against Aston Villa.

Oleksandr Zinchenko — (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arteta could decide to keep Zinchenko back with a view to potentially featuring against Man United this weekend, so Kieran Tierney is in line to keep his spot, but there will have to be a change in midfield due to Mohamed Elneny’s hamstring issue. New signing Fabio Vieira is an option, but it seems more likely that Albert Sambi Lokonga will come in for the hosts.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Smith Rowe made substitute appearances and might be in contention for a starting spot. Meanwhile, Reiss Nelson continues his recovery in the treatment room.

Player To Watch Out For – Danny Ings

What makes Ings a typical English forward in, arguably, the most demanding league in the world is his incredible never-say-die attitude off the ball. The marksman spends almost half his time in his own half, chasing players down and shutting down gaps, while also forcing the opposition to quicken their passing game.

Danny Ings, Arsenal, Aston Villa — Image Obtained via The Transfer Tavern

The 30-year-old forward is also skilled with both feet, meaning he skips past challenges with ease and has good balance with the ball. Ings is physical, quick on his toes and a real fighter throughout his time on the pitch.

Arsenal Form:

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Aston Villa Form:

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Arsenal Starting Lineup Vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):

Aaron Ramsdale (GK); William Saliba (RB), Ben White (CB), Gabriel (CB), Kieran Tierney (LB); Granit Xhaka (CDM), Lokonga (CDM); Smith-Rowe (RW), Martin Ødegaard (CAM), Gabriel Martinelli (LW); Gabriel Jesus (ST)

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Danny Ings’ goal sandwiched between a Gabriel Jesus double either side of half time to help the Gunners take their winning streak to five games.

Arsenal will be aiming to win this home fixture against Aston Villa ahead of a huge trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on September 4. The Gunners are evolving, and while one or two familiar issues have cropped up, this young outfit has shown that they’re a different beast at the Emirates.

The Villans are down in 15th spot in the table, having only picked up three points from their opening four games of the campaign. Arsenal will begin their Europa League campaign away to Zurich, so the squad will need to be rotated, but there have been plenty of positive signs for the North London side given their start to the season.

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