Arsenal’s Predicted Starters To Face Aston Villa

Petr Cech should’ve done better to get to his near post to stop Kevin De Bruyne’s go ahead goal last weekend, but you could also argue that his defence let him down. Aston Villa aren’t very potent in front of net so I expect him to have a quiet game and a clean sheet.

The game against City was a bit of a nightmare for Hector Bellerin, who was getting hit down the right hand flank far too often, but he hung in there. You can expect the Spaniard to get forward and jump up in the play more against Villa than he did against City.

Gabriel’s performance against City was a massive improvement from the previous one, even if he failed to do a better job to stop Kevin De Bruyne’s goal. Given Mertesacker’s ongoing injury, he is likely to partner Laurent Koscielny at the back again on Sunday.

His selection for the Euros is no surprise to Arsenal fans- Laurent Koscielny has had a usually solid season in an Arsenal uniform. His place in the squad is never in doubt- even if his centre-back partnership is a constant revolving door.

Nacho Monreal has been Arsenal’s most improved and consistent player this season, so naturally, his name is in my starting XI.

After his injury, Francis Coquelin just hasn’t been the same beast of a player so I am going with Mohamed Elneny for this match. He’s already payed of his transfer fee with his excellent, well-rounded play since he got here in January. Could prove to be an excellent midfield partner for Jack Wilshere in the future.

Jack is back and there isn’t a happier Arsenal fan out there than myself. He brings something different to the table than any other player in the squad, and on his day, he can completely control the game in Arsenal’s favour. Obviously, he will need more time to retake his place in the starting XI after a long injury layoff, but a start against Villa tomorrow will give him some much needed playing time.

He’s one for the future but Arsenal fans can rejoice in the fact that Alex Iwobi has shown such talent and character in the match time that Arsene Wenger has given him. His dynamic play and explosiveness could do Arsenal some good tomorrow in a must win game.

After such a long goal drought, Alexis Sanchez is finally hitting the back of the net for Arsenal, which was badly needed with the Gunners being so wasteful in front of net in the second half of the season. Arsenal will need the Chilean to score as he did last weekend against City, given the unpredictability of Olivier Giroud.

Didn’t play last week but if he is fit enough, Arsenal will need Mesut Ozil to start. Without him, there is no creative outlet and there will be a lack of service to Arsenal’s attacking corps.

It was a relief to see Olivier Giroud score against City last week, after ending a goal drought that stretches all the way back to mid-January. Would like to see him up front with Alexis backing him up as we did against City.