Predicted Arsenal XI vs Aston Villa: Thomas Partey back fit?

Fresh off Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, Arsenal are back in Premier League action at Saturday lunchtime as they take on a former boss at Villa Park.

Unai Emery had facilitated an impressive resurgence at Aston Villa after succeeding Steven Gerrard as manager, but his side head into the weekend’s clash having suffered back-to-back defeats.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are in similarly poor form. They’re winless in four having last tasted victory almost a month ago. It’s been a while.

The Gunners desperately need to revive their form soon before City pull away at the Premier League summit.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Aston Villa

Here’s the starting XI Mikel Arteta could pick for the trip to Villa Park.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Continues between the sticks.

Ben White (RB) – Arteta’s move to replace White with Takehiro Tomiyasu on Wednesday didn’t pay off and the Englishman will return to the XI on Saturday.

William Saliba (CB) – I thought Saliba played pretty well last time out, and while it’s been a while since we saw the Frenchman at his imperious best, he’ll remain in the XI.

Gabriel (CB) – It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Gabriel, who was poor against City. However, I don’t expect Jakub Kiwior to take any of his minutes just yet.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Kieran Tierney is waiting in the wings but Arteta’s fetish for control means he’ll probably stick with Zinchenko, who hasn’t had a major impact in Arsenal’s last three outings.

Midfielders

Jorginho (DM) – Arteta confirmed that Thomas Partey is a doubt for this one and I don’t think he’ll be risked from the start, especially given his injury history. Thus, Jorginho should deputise once again.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Emile Smith Rowe is on his way back again and I’m sure fans would love to see him take Xhaka’s spot in the side. The Swiss midfielder’s been pretty poor since the World Cup, to be honest, but I don’t think he’ll be dropped just yet.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – It’s been a while since we saw the very best of Odegaard.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – I wonder how many fouls he’ll win on Saturday? Emery will make a concerted effort to slow Saka down in this one.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – After initial promise, Eddie’s begin to frustrate while leading the front line. He’s got to be clinical given his profile.

Leandro Trossard (LW) – Surely it’s time for Trossard?! Not only is Gabriel Martinelli not playing well, but he’s being run into the ground by Arteta. It’s time to make a change.