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Arsenal predicted line-up against Aston Villa

By on January 18, 2025

David Raya Arsenal

Arsenal will welcome Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium in a crucial Premier League encounter tonight.

After beating arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, the Gunners have managed to close the gap with Liverpool at the top of the table. They are currently second in the Premier League with 43 points from 21 games, sitting four points behind the Reds.

On the other hand, Aston Villa are currently seventh in the table with 35 points from 21 games, sitting three points behind fourth-placed Newcastle United.

The North London club lost both games against the Villans last term but they won the away game earlier this campaign. Now, they will be hoping to do the league double over Unai Emery’s side.

Team news

Mikel Arsenal has revealed that none of the long-term absentees are expected to return for this game. So, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are set to remain sidelined tonight.

Moreover, Gabriel Jesus’ season is over after sustaining a serious knee issue, while Bukayo Saka isn’t in contention to feature owing to a hamstring problem. Ethan Nwaneri isn’t available and Riccardo Calafiori is in doubt ahead of this encounter.

Predicted line-up

David Raya is set to continue between the sticks, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes would be the centre-back partnership for the North London club.

Jurrien Timber is likely to commence on the right-back position and Myles Lewis-Skelly should keep hold of his place on the opposite side having displayed promising performances in recent games. Therefore, Calafiori could be among the substitutes if he is available to feature.

Thomas Partey is expected to be in the holding midfield position with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard set to complete the midfield trio. Therefore, Jorginho and Mikel Merino would have to settle for a place on the bench.

Raheem Sterling started last time out on the right but displayed an average performance. So, Gabriel Martinelli – valued at around £46m by Transfermarkt – could replace him, while Leandro Trossard may start on the opposite side after putting his name on the scoresheet against Tottenham last time out. Amid Jesus’ absence, Kai Havertz would continue in the centre-forward position.

Expected Arsenal line-up vs Aston Villa

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli

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