Having slumped to a dismal defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in mid week, Arsene Wenger’s side will be looking to rebound from their European disappointment as they take on high flying Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. The Gunners have won just a single Premier League game this season – their opening day narrow escape against Crystal Palace. While Villa’s bright start to the campaign has hinged so much on a organized back four, Arsenal’s struggles are the result of an attack, toothless against the best and mediocre teams alike. Mesut Ozil is set to finally get the axe after a series of lacklustre performances in an Arsenal shirt, but Wenger is expected to stick with favourite 4-1-4-1 formation.
Let’s take a look at the men who are expected to take the field at Villa Park this evening.
Goal Keeper:
Wozceich Szczesny
The Polish goalkeeper remains Arsene Wenger’s No.1 choice between the sticks and is expected to retain his place in goal as Arsenal chase their second win of the season.
Defenders:
Calum Chambers, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs.
Calum Chambers is set to replace the unproven Hector Bellerin at right back, after only managing to make the bench at Dortmund due to tonsillitis. Bellerin lacks experience at the highest level and Chambers’ inclusion would add experience and quality to a back four under fire.
The central defensive partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny looked shaky in Germany and the pair have failed to rediscover last season’s form, but still remain Arsenal’s most experienced partnership at the heart of their defence.
Kieran Gibbs is on the recovery path after missing the first few games of the season with injury. The young Englishman should start this one amiid fears that Nacho Monreal may be missing due to a back injury.
Midfielders:
Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Oxlade Chamberlain.
While Mikel Arteta’s qualities as a holding midfielder came under scanner at the Signal Iduna Park, Arteta will feel more at home at Villa Park against a midtable opposition.
Jack Wilshere has been one of Arsenal’s brightest midfield players in recent games, and has the quality and awareness to link up with the likes of Sanchez and Welbeck.
Oxlade Chamberlain could replace Aaron Ramsey in the line up, given the amount of football the Welshman has played this season. Ramsey has been in torrid form recently, and given the amount of quality Wenger has in reserve, Ramsey could be dropped in favour of Chamberlain, who looked busy when introduced against Dortmund.
Forwards
Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla.
Alexis Sanchez’s energy on the right flank has been productive, both in an attacking and defensive sense. The Chilean has looked a goal threat in his opening few games and his directness and running ability could prove vital at Villa Park.
Santi Cazorla could hardly do worse than Mesut Ozil on the left wing. Ozil looked miserably out of his depth against Dortmund, and Cazorla’s inclusion will add that vision Arsenal have been lacking in the attacking third. The busy Spaniard links up well with Kieran Gibbs and would prove to a defensive asset unlike Ozil.
Danny Welbeck will be given another opportunity to open his account for Arsenal as he remains the only viable option in the centre forward role.
