Arsenal will be hoping to move up the league table with a victory tomorrow as Aston Villa travel to North London to face the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta’s side picked up an important victory over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the league last week as Arsenal held on to a narrow 1-0 victory against Manchester United.
The Gunners have now picked up three consecutive wins in a row with the arrival of Thomas Partey strengthening their backline. Gabriel Magalhaes has put in some splendid defensive performances for the hosts who have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, conceding just seven goals so far.
Villa will be looking to avoid defeat to make it three defeats in a row having previously suffered defeats at home against Leeds United and Southampton. Dean Smith’s side are currently 9th in the league having picked up some impressive wins over the likes of Leicester City and Liverpool. In fact, the Villains are the only side in the league yet to concede away from home this term largely owing to former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who has played an integral role in Villa’s victories this season.
When and Where?
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
Date: Sunday, 8 November 2020
Time: 19:15 (GMT)
Team News
Mikel Arteta rested several players in their victory over Molde in the Europa League in midweek and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes are all expected to be named in the starting lineup tomorrow.
Reiss Nelson joined the list of injuries for Arsenal after picking up an injury joining Calum Chambers, Gabriel Martinelli and Pablo Mari who are sidelined with various injuries.
The pairing of Thomas Partey and Egyptian international Mohamed Elneny has strengthened Arsenal’s midfield allowing the two full-backs Bellerin and Saka to push further up the field when required.
Up top, Lacazette will lead the line with Aubameyang starting from the left as Willian will be preferred over Nicolas Pepe who played the full 90 minutes against Molde in midweek.
Dean Smith confirmed in his pre-match conference that Bertrand Traore had picked up an injury while Wesley continues to recover following the knee ligament damage he suffered earlier this year.
Aston Villa are unlikely to make any changes to their 4-2-3-1 setup where the link-up play between Jack Grealish, Watkins and Ross Barkely up top will be key.
Predicted Lineup
ARSENAL (3-4-3): Leno; Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Bellerin, Thomas, Elneny, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Trezeguet, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins
Prediction
Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa
