Mikel Arteta will be desperate for Arsenal to claim all three points against Villa (Image: GETTY)
will be hoping to keep the pressure on Liverpool by claiming all three points against Aston Villa this afternoon.
The north Londoners currently sit four points behind the leaders, who still have a game in hand to play against rivals Everton next month.
‘s side will go into the match against Villa without several key players including the likes of Gabriel Jesus, and Ben White. However, they will be full of confidence after securing a morale-boosting victory over in midweek.
Express Sport takes a look at how the Gunners could line up this weekend…
Raheem Sterling could drop to the bench after an underwhelming display in midweek (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal predicted XI vs Aston Villa
Goalkeeper – Raya
David Raya will take up his usual place between the sticks, with the Spaniard a certain starter unless he is injured. He has played every single minute in the this season, averaging a clean sheet every three games.
He will certainly need to be at his best to keep the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers at bay this afternoon.
Defence – Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
has missed ‘s last three games due to injury and remains a doubt ahead of today’s match. If he is unable to play, it could see Myles Lewis-Skelly keep his place at left-back after impressing against .
The rest of the back four is likely to remain unchanged with Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes all poised to start.
Don’t miss… [NEWS]
Midfield – Rice, Partey, Odegaard
There is no reason for to deviate from the midfield trio which started the game against . Declan Rice and Thomas Partey will provide stability in the engine room while helping to build attacks from deeper positions.
Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, grabbed an assist in the north London derby and will once again be the Gunners’ chief creator.
Attack – Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz
Raheem Sterling was drafted into the starting line-up against but struggled to impress out wide. He will surely be replaced by Gabriel Martinelli, who has proven himself as a better fit on the right flank.
currently have just four fit forwards at their disposal, meaning the other two positions will be unchanged with Leandro Trossard and keeping their spots.
Predicted XI vs Aston Villa – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz.