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[Image] Defender ruled out, 18-y/o to start, Ozil back? – My Arsenal line-up vs Villa

By on July 21, 2020

bukayo saka arsenal

Arsenal take on Aston Villa at Villa Park tonight in our penultimate Premier League game. Here’s the line-up I’d like Mikel Arteta to select…

The back three was outstanding during the win over Manchester City at the weekend. David Luiz had his best game in an Arsenal shirt so he deserves to keep his place while Kieran Tierney showed he is more than capable of playing in a back three system.

Shkodran Mustafi also had a good game but he’s been ruled out of the trip to Villa Park after picking up a hamstring injury during the latter stages of the match at Wembley. I’d like to see Rob Holding come in for Mustafi tonight.

Cedric Soares was cup-tied against City but he should start on the right flank this evening with Hector Bellerin making way. Arteta produced a master-stroke by starting Ainsley Maitland-Niles at the weekend but I still think Bukayo Saka should be recalled against Villa. The 18-year-old was unlucky not to see any minutes at Wembley so I’d start him at left wing-back meaning Maitland-Niles drops to the bench.

Granit Xhaka will start in midfield but it will be interesting to see who joins him. Dani Ceballos is the preferred partner right now and the Spaniard is playing superbly well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arteta giving him a rest tonight with Lucas Torreira coming in but I’d stick with Ceballos as we need his invention in the middle of the park.

mesut ozil arsenal 2018

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the hero once again on Saturday after scoring both of Arsenal’s goals. I’ve seen some fans saying we should rest a few key men against Villa as they feel there is no chance we can qualify for the Europa League via the Premier League. I disagree, as we just need Chelsea to beat Wolves [Palace aren’t going to beat Spurs] and for Arsenal to win our last two games with a +4 goal difference, which is very doable.

Therefore, I’d certainly start Aubameyang and I’d also keep Alexandre Lacazette up front. The Frenchman has been in excellent form lately and has really taken his chance while Eddie Nketiah was suspended.

Eddie is available again tonight after serving his three-match ban but I’d leave him on the bench alongside Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock. Nicolas Pepe should therefore keep his place in the front three.

Mesut Ozil is available for selection but Arteta has still chosen to freeze him out of the Arsenal squad. I don’t see that changing tonight but I personally think we should have him on the bench. There is a real lack of creativity in the squad so it makes sense to have Ozil available if we need a spark off the bench tonight.

Here is how I hope Arsenal line-up:

football formations