Arsenal predicted XI vs Aston Villa as Rice, Saliba and Gyokeres decisions made

Mikel Arteta faces decisions on Declan Rice, William Saliba and Viktor Gyokeres’ for Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa

Arsenal take on Aston Villa, looking to make what is, in many minds, potentially their biggest statement of the season so far. The Gunners are due a big away win since their last-minute winner at Newcastle United.

Yet, Mikel Arteta continues to battle with the constant woe of injuries and fitness concerns. While coy in his press conference ahead of the game, there is optimism over a couple of players who might find their way back into the eleven on Saturday lunchtime.

In focus particularly are Declan Rice, William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera. With there being so much weight on the game, Arteta needs to choose the right team and football.london gives its view on who they believe will start for the Gunners.

David Raya

The Spaniard will hope to earn his ninth clean sheet of the Premier League season and could take inspiration from the unbelievable save he made in this ground last season.

Jurrien Timber

The Dutchman had to cover in the centre of defence on Wednesday but with the return of a previously injured player, Jurrien Timber can come into the right-back role.

William Saliba

With worry that the Frenchman might miss a third game in a row, the “matter of days” reply from Mikel Arteta did not bring much confidence. That said, there is hope that Saliba might indeed be fit to return.

Piero Hincapie

Piero Hincapie has been thrust into the spotlight of late, and the Ecuador international’s integration has been a trial by fire. Yet he has responded well and will expect to continue his strong form.

Riccardo Calafiori

The “chaotic” Italian full-back showcased his attacking threat in midweek with a couple of shots, which led to chances that should have been better taken.

Martin Zubimendi

The Spaniard has continued to tick along as the base of the Arsenal midfield, playing plenty of minutes, but his importance is perhaps underrated in the Gunners’ setup.

Declan Rice

Despite coming off with what looked like a thigh injury against Brentford, there was optimism post-match that it was related more to tiredness than a specific injury, and therefore, it appears he will be okay for Saturday.

Martin Odegaard

Arteta appeared to be enamoured by the captain’s performance against Brentford in midweek, and therefore, he could be tipped to retain his place for this trip to Villa.

Bukayo Saka

A goal late on again, and Saka finds the back of the net and could have had more against Brentford. Importantly, he was afforded a rest, meaning that he could

Mikel Merino

The thinking might have been to bring Viktor Gyokeres back into the Arsenal line-up for this one, but with Mikel Merino in such fine form, it is very difficult to justify dropping the Spaniard.

Eberechi Eze

Despite Odegaard coming in, there is a place for Eberechi Eze, but on the left-hand side. Gabriel Martinelli didn’t have the best game against Brentford, and while Noni Madueke is an option, Eze seems better and more natural at left wing.