Arsenal vs Aston Villa lineups, starting 11, team news: Gunners at full strength for Premier League clash
Arsenal face a tricky test at home to Aston Villa in the latest step in their bid to become Premier League champions for the first time in 20 years.
The Gunners head into the weekend at the top of the table, leading Liverpool on goal difference following the Reds' 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
With Man City and Liverpool in action before this game kicks off at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta and his players will know they will likely need a win in order to regain the summit for at least another matchday.
Arsenal played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League this week, a result that extended their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions, and the fact they will have one more day of rest than Villa — who are involved in the Europa Conference League on Thursday — will give them confidence they can extend that streak this weekend.
Unai Emery would love the chance to claim a valuable win over his former side, though, particularly as three points could prove significant in Villa's quest to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Arsenal's remaining schedule in 2023/24 Premier League title fight
Aside from long-term absentee Jurrien Timber, Arsenal have a fully fit squad for this game.
There will likely be one or two changes from the midweek draw with Bayern. Oleksandr Zinchenko could come in at left-back for Jakub Kiwior, having started the Gunners' previous two league games. Gabriel Jesus may also get the nod ahead of Kai Havertz after a brilliant assist for Leandro Trossard's equaliser against Bayern.
Arsenal predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko — Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice — Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Villa do
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