Let’s take a look at the team news as Arsenal face an Aston Villa side led by former Gunners boss Unai Emery in a crunch Premier League tie on Sunday. As the campaign is coming to a close and the title race is tighter than ever, every game counts. For Arsenal, this game is crucial, but so is their second-leg tie against Bayern Munich, which is 3 days later.
The reverse fixture earlier this season saw the Gunners lose 1-0 at Villa Park after John McGinn scored the only goal of the game. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping to take down Aston Villa in this game to stay in the title race and stay ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Injury/Suspension List:
Arsenal’s injury woes have subdued, and are only missing Jurrien Timber from the team sheet. Unai Emery’s team are not so lucky on the other hand, having 7 players out at the time of writing. Boubacar Kamara recently underwent knee surgery, while Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings are sidelined with other knee injuries.
Jacob Ramsey is out for the rest of the season due to ankle/foot problems. Additionally, Douglas Luiz is suspended due to accumulating yellow cards, and Matty Cash is dealing with a thigh injury. Clement Lenglet has a minor issue and is being assessed, with a 50% chance of being available for the match on Sunday.
Player To Watch Out For: Ollie Watkins
With 18 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone this season (stats via Transfermarkt), who else could it be but Ollie Watkins? The Englishman has some of the finest finishing in the league, capable of scoring from basically anywhere in the final-third.
He is also a skilled play-maker, as evident above from the 10 assists. His creativity is to thank for that. He also isn’t afraid to take the ball with him as he’s shown in games, or to be selfless either, as he ranks as one of the best centre-forwards with 1.30 key passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League (stats via Fbref).
Arsenal Form:
DWWDW
Aston Villa Form:
DLWDW
Read More:
- Arsenal Preparing Move for €2 Million Rated MLS Shot-stopper as Aaron Ramsdale Replacement
- Arsenal Lining Up Shock Summer Move for €40m Rated PL Attacker, Replacement for Smith Rowe
- Arsenal Leading Race to Sign Sporting CP Striker Viktor Gyokeres, Club Set Hefty Price Tag
Arsenal Predicted Starting Lineup:
David Raya (GK); Ben White (RB), William Saliba (CB), Gabriel (CB), Jakub Kiwior (LB); Martin Ødegaard (CM), Declan Rice (CDM), Jorginho (CDM); Gabriel Martinelli (LW), Kai Havertz (ST), Bukayo Saka (RW)
Predicted Score:
Arsenal 2 – 0 Aston Villa
The current Arsenal squad are capable of winning the Premier League and maybe even the Champions League. The Gunners’ quality will be too good for Villa this time around, and the North-Londoners will win and secure another 3 points. Goals from Havertz and Saka are to be expected.
Follow AD for the Latest Matchday Updates on Arsenal.