Mikel Arteta is set to deploy a formidable lineup for Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa, with expectations that Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice will be part of the starting eleven.
As Mikel Arteta prepares for the match against Aston Villa, Arsenal’s anticipated lineup suggests a strong formation, featuring Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice among the starters.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is expected to have Declan Rice available for the Premier League match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
Although the England midfielder could not finish the full 90 minutes in last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, it is believed that he was only experiencing cramp.
Consequently, Rice is likely to be fit to anchor Arsenal’s midfield in gameweek two.
Fabio Vieira (hip) also has a strong chance of participating, while Kieran Tierney (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) will not be available.
Rice is expected to join Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey in a familiar three-man midfield, with Partey having been a key creative player in the first half against Wolves, despite a less impressive second half.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have shown good chemistry, combining for both of Arsenal’s goals last weekend, although Havertz has not scored or assisted in his last seven Premier League matches against Villa.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are competing for the left-wing position, with Martinelli currently holding the advantage.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is also anticipated to fend off competition from Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber in defense.
The defensive lineup of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, and David Raya has been solid, conceding only three goals in away Premier League matches in 2024 and achieving seven clean sheets.
Projected starting XI for Arsenal:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
