Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: 4-2-3-1 return with Sambi?

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 18, 2021. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – Is Saka going to be fit? That is the key question.

Given the violence of McArthur’s kick and the lack of training for the star boy, you’d hedge your bets on him only being available for a spot on the bench. And in that instance it could be Pepe who keeps his place in the side as he’s the best of the options to play out on the right.

At least in the manager’s eyes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – So, who is an injury concern? Is it all mind games from Arteta to throw Smith off? It may be just that.

Aubameyang would be harshly dropped for this game regardless of Lacazette’s influence off the bench. He ran himself into the ground, especially in the first half, and grabbed the opening goal. Arteta won’t leave him out unless it’s fitness related.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – A move that many are pining for is seeing Smith Rowe back in the position where he can do more of what he’s best at (running and carrying) and less of what he needs to improve (passing and decision making).

A front four with two direct options, one creative type and one connective middle-of-the-mark type is what we’re predicting Arteta plumps for in this Premier League showdown.

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