Arsenal team news: Expected XI vs Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta faces late Bukayo Saka call

FPL Gameweek eight tips: Arsenal midfielders and Wolves strikers tipped for points

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Mikel Arteta is expected to call upon Bukayo Saka against Aston Villa if the England international can prove his fitness. The attacker was forced off at half-time in Monday night’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace after receiving a volley to the calf by James McArthur.

Arteta was incensed that the incident was not reviewed by VAR and Arsenal felt they had a solid case for a red card.

However, McArthur stayed on the pitch and helped Palace earn a well-deserved point as Alexandre Lacazette rescued a draw for the Gunners deep into stoppage time.

Lacazette could earn a start against Villa if Saka is not feeling ready to start.

The Frenchman would then lead the line with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulling out to the left-side of attack.

JUST IN: Tammy Abraham and Roma teammates in furious confrontation with fans after 6-1 thrashing

However, barring a dramatic swing of events, Saka is expected to prove his fitness and keep his place in the starting XI.

Arteta has confirmed he was set to return to training on Thursday after missing Wednesday’s session at London Colney.

“We have a training session today, we had two or three players who finished the game [against Crystal Palace] with some issues, and we had to assess them today,” said Arteta in his press conference.

Arsenal are expected to name an unchanged back four with Aaron Ramsdale also keeping his place between the sticks.

DON’T MISS
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirms interest in signing Haaland as Lukaku strike partner
What Zinedine Zidane ‘told Man Utd’ during personal phone call in international break
Liverpool deal to sign Leicester’s four-goal hero Patson Daka ‘collapsed’ over two stars

Kieran Tierney will start at left-back with Takehiro Tomiyasu slotting in at right-back.

Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes will also continue their partnership at the heart of defence.

In midfield, Albert Sambi Lokonga is expected to partner Thomas Partey in the centre of the park with Granit Xhaka still sidelined.

Further forward, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard could provide support for Aubameyang with Saka.

Follow our new Daily Express Sport Instagram page here…

Arsenal are looking to get back to winning ways as they look to compete for the European spots and nothing other than a victory will do for Arteta, who remains under pressure in north London.

The Spaniard is under no illusions that Villa are a tough opponent, who can beat anybody on their day.

He said on Dean Smith’s side: “It is a test and they have shown how difficult they can be against us, because we haven’t got the results that we wanted against them recently.

“So we know they have improved their squad, the way they have played a lot in the last few seasons they are showing a lot of ambition the way they are recruiting as well, and it will be a difficult game for sure.”

Expected Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang.

Pick up your FREE Panini Official Premier League Trading cards this weekend – Find out how here

Source: Read Full Article