Arsenal have a tough away trip on the cards, as they face a flying Aston Villa side fresh from beating Manchester City at Villa Park. Mikel Arteta will not look to change too much of his functional team, with Oleksandr Zinchenko the only likely alteration from their midweek win.
Arteta discussed various topics during his pre-match press conference, but the journalists also focused a lot on the David Raya situation. The Gunners boss did not delve too much into the media narrative that there is a goalkeeping crisis over at the club and pointed towards the Spaniard’s success since joining the club.
Arteta said, “Look at his form and what he has achieved since he’s been with us, it’s really impressive, but what can I say? I have three great goalkeepers. I’m really happy I have great wingers, some of them are on the bench, but the questions are not related to them and we have to accept that.”
“As well we have to support our players in the best possible way, we have to protect them and we have to get the best out of them. I would focus much more on that. Every player needs the right support and love and they deserve that.”
Arteta also pointed out there were no fresh concerns with fitness troubles and will have the same players available to visit Aston Villa. Thomas Partey, Jurien Timber, Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira have missed games, but Takehiro Tomiyasu’s absence might cost them dearly going forward.David Raya should continue in goal well ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, and the Spaniard will see a change in Arsenal’s back four. Oleksandr Zinchenko will return to the lineup after starting on the bench against Luton and replace Jakub Kiwior.
The rest of the backline will stay intact, as Ben White will continue at right back in Tomiyasu’s absence. Arteta might have pondered involving Jorginho from the start, but his current midfield setup enables the team to play more fluidly, with Kai Havertz a significant factor in that.
The German will continue to stay after scoring another goal against Luton Town. Declan Rice will operate from the base, while Martin Odegaard will look to improve his new role from deep. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will complete the front three setup, with Arsenal likely to have decent options on the bench too.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
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