Arsenal predicted XI vs Aston Villa as Jurrien Timber starts and Thomas Partey decision made
It’s that time of year where actual football feels almost secondary. Focus instead has been on the transfer window where Arsenal have certainly been busy.
We’ve said Mikel Merino is close to a move to Arsenal an awful lot, but it does seem as though this deal is finally about to get over the line. Eddie Nketiah meanwhile is nearing his move to Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Arteta’s main attention though has to be his side’s trip to Villa Park this weekend. The Arsenal boss has plenty of tough decisions to make in order to take revenge over the only manager to beat him twice last season in Unai Emery.
Goalkeeper – David Raya
Right-back – Ben White
Ben White doesn’t need much extra motivation to perform to his best. Last season’s double defeat by Aston Villa should be enough, though.
Centre-back – William Saliba
Saliba was one of Arsenal’s representatives at the PFA awards this week. He’ll be hoping to cap that off by putting a slightly below par display against Wolves behind him.
Centre-back – Gabriel
Alongside his partner in crime at the back, Gabriel was also in the PFA team of the season. The Brazilian will be looking to prove once again why he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Left-back – Jurrien Timber
Oleksandr Zinchenko was far from a problem against Wolves; if anything he played well. But the extra defensive sturdiness of Jurrien Timber may be what’s required against Leon Bailey’s box of tricks.
