Don't Miss

[Image] 23-year-old recalled, Lacazette out: My Arsenal line-up vs Aston Villa

By mac14 on February 5, 2021

Arsenal take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. This is the team I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Bernd Leno will miss the game after being sent off against Wolves on Tuesday night. Mat Ryan is a doubt with a hip injury but he trained today and is fit to make his Arsenal debut. That means Alex Runarsson will be on the bench.

David Luiz is also suspended after our appeal against his dismissal at Molinuex was rejected by the FA so I hope we see Gabriel recalled alongside Rob Holding. The 23-year-old has had to bide his time to regain his first team spot since returning to fitness but I hope he takes his chance tomorrow.

Kieran Tierney is set to miss out once again as he’s still struggling to overcome a calf injury so Cedric Soares should keep his place at left-back while Hector Bellerin will start on the right side of the Arsenal back four.

Thomas Partey is back to his best form so obviously he should keep his place against Aston Villa while Granit Xhaka deserves to start as he’s been very solid in recent weeks [never thought I’d write those words].

Martin Odegaard is being eased into action by Arteta and I think that’s the correct approach as he needs time to get used to the Premier League. Plus, Emile Smith Rowe is playing well so deserves to keep his place.

Nicolas Pepe has found some form in recent games and scored another fine goal at Wolves so I think he should start on the left wing while Bukayo Saka should keep his place on the opposite flank as he’s our best player right now.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made his return with a late appearances against Wolves but I hope we see him start tomorrow. With Pepe and Saka keeping their places, Auba could lead the line up front and I think they have the potential to be an exciting front three for Arsenal.

Unfortunately, that would mean Alexandre Lacazette missing out on a starting spot but he’ll be a useful player to have from the bench along with the likes of Odegaard, Willian and of course Gabriel Martinelli.

This would be my line-up: