Arsenal return to Premier League action on Monday night when they travel to Villa Park looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the new season.
After a 10-day break between matches, Mikel Arteta has had valuable time on the training ground ahead of what should be the Gunners’ first significant away examination of the campaign.
There could also be some new faces involved, with Bruno Guimaraes pushing to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal and former Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa hoping to make his first appearance for the Gunners against his old club.
The biggest boost for Arteta is the return to training of Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian missed Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Coventry after suffering a groin issue during the Community Shield, but has now returned to training ahead of the trip to Villa Park.
Whether Arteta decides to start him immediately remains to be seen, but having Bruno available would provide another major option in midfield.
Konsa is also available following his move from Aston Villa and could make his Arsenal debut at the ground he has just left.
Jurrien Timber is continuing his rehabilitation from a groin injury. The defender is getting closer to returning, although Monday night’s fixture could come too soon for him.
Unai Emery has plenty of selection issues of his own following a summer of huge change at Villa Park.
Joao Gomes will miss the game through suspension after being sent off on his debut against Brighton.
Villa are also without Amadou Onana, who is expected to miss the campaign with an ACL injury, while new signing Johann Manzambi is unavailable.
There are also questions over Villa’s attacking options, with Tammy Abraham struggling with a groin problem and Brian Madjo having missed their opening Premier League fixture with a knock.
However, Emery could hand debuts to several of his new arrivals.
Nicolas Jackson, Zion Suzuki, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Leon Goretzka could all feature as Villa attempt to respond to their 4-0 opening-day defeat at Brighton.
One of Arteta’s most interesting decisions could come in defence.
Konsa knows Villa Park and Emery’s system extremely well, and there would be something fitting about his Arsenal debut coming immediately against his former employers.
His arrival also gives Arteta another option while Saliba and Timber work their way back from injury.
Further forward, the return of Bruno could present the manager with another selection decision.
Given that he has only recently returned to training following his groin problem, Arteta could decide not to risk him from the start. However, if he is considered fully ready, his experience and quality could be valuable in what is traditionally a difficult away fixture.
With Bruno only just returning to training, Arteta may decide to retain much of the side that has already started the Premier League campaign positively.
Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis.
There will naturally be competition for places, particularly if Bruno is deemed ready to start, but Konsa could be the most obvious change as he pushes to make his Gunners bow.
Villa Park has caused Arsenal problems in recent seasons, and Emery will be demanding a reaction after his side’s disastrous opening result at Brighton.
That makes this unlikely to be straightforward.
However, Villa have undergone enormous changes during the summer and are missing several important players. Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive with confidence and have had plenty of time to prepare for the game.
If the Gunners can impose themselves early and exploit a Villa side still adjusting to so many changes, they should have enough quality to take all three points back to north London.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal
A first away victory of the campaign would maintain Arsenal’s perfect Premier League start and provide another early indication that Arteta’s champions have no intention of surrendering their crown easily.
What would your Arsenal starting XI be at Villa Park, Gooners? Would you throw Bruno Guimaraes straight back in, and should Ezri Konsa start against his former club? Let us know your team and score predictions in the comments.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
Aston Villa v Arsenal: Team News, Predicted Lineup and Score Prediction
Aston Villa v Arsenal Match Preview: Gunners Face First Away Test of the Season
Arsenal Champions League Fixtures Confirmed – Dates and Kick-Off Times
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
