Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Aston Villa: Trossard & Jesus in

Arsenal's season-defining April continues with a huge domestic clash against Aston Villa, with the Gunners playing catch-up this weekend.

Mikel Arteta's side round off the gameweek after Manchester City and Liverpool take on Luton Town and Crystal Palace at home respectively. Thus, Arsenal are expcted to be third in the table by the time they kick-off.

Villa, like Arsenal, are in the middle of a European quarter-final and they've got a 2-1 lead to take to Lille on Thursday. The Gunners, meanwhile, need a result in Munich on Wednesday.

Fortunately, the squad is healthy and the boss will need to wisely rotate with the midweek game in mind. Here's how we think Arteta could set his side up on Sunday.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Aston Villa

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - The Spaniard failed to save a vulnerable Arsenal defence in midweek, but his domestic clean sheet record as of late has been imperious.

Ben White (RB) - The ever-available White won't be getting much respite over the next six weeks. He's utterly crucial to this Arsenal side.

William Saliba (CB) - The Frenchman will be looking to shake off a nervy first leg showing on Tuesday as he faces up against the channel-running machine that is Ollie Watkins.

Gabriel (CB) - Gabriel also struggled somewhat in midweek, so he'll be aiming to return to his usual sturdy self on Sunday ahead of the trip to Munich.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (LB) - Tomiyasu is in line to make his first start since returning from injury. I think he plays on Wednesday, too.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) - Partey has never looked quite sure of himself since returning from a lengthy absence, although he did find some rhythm during his recent start against Luton Town. Jorginho is unlikely to play three games in eight days, so we could see the Ghanaian involved from the start on Sunday.

Declan Rice (CM) - I'd like to see Rice assume a deeper position alongside Partey. The Englishman had little influence ahead of the ball in midweek.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - There's no doubt that the skipper is desperate to avenge December's defeat at Villa Park. Odegaard has dazzled in 2024.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - The hobbler is battered and bruised, but he's going to be playing a hell of a lot of football from now until the end of the season. Good luck, Bukayo!

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - There should be some rotation in the frontline, with Havertz earning a breather after a string of starts. Jesus was bright off the left last week and he made a huge difference off the bench against Bayern. He may be in pain, but boy can he play.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - Another difference-maker on Tuesday, Trossard continues to produce the goods for the Gunners. With Martinelli's transition speed likely to be preserved for Wednesday, the Belgian should get the nod against Villa.

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