Arsenal predicted XI vs Aston Villa: two changes made as £89m duo start in attack as £42m star makes comeback

After two near title misses, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be hoping that this can be the year that his star-studded team finally turn silver into gold after a 21-year-wait for a Premier League title.

As it stands, the Gunners are second and four points behind pacesetters Liverpool who still have a game in hand to play against rivals Everton in February.

However, recent dropped points for the Reds against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have opened the door for Arteta’s side - who were able to bridge the gap at the top of the table earlier this week with a crucial 2-1 victory over north London rivals Spurs.

Arsenal dominated the encounter despite going a goal down in the first half and were impressively able to carve out a number of strong chances to score despite an avalanche of injury issues. As it stands, Arsenal are a long way from full strength with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus missing through injury.

While their opponents Aston Villa face problems of their own with John McGinn, Pau Torres and Ross Barkley all absent from the matchday squad.

Ahead of a crucial game at the top of the table, we take a look at Arsenal’s predicted XI with one key change in attack and a potential return for an eight-time international.

Goalkeeper & Defence

First-choice goalkeeper David Raya has played every minute of every game this season and has helped The Gunners to seven clean sheets this term. He is expected to start between the posts alongside a settled centre back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba, who will be a threat from attacking set plays.

Jurrien Timber, after an injury hit first season, has made the right-back position his own following Ben White’s injury and is expected to make his 18th start of the league season.

The only real area of debate for the Gunners comes in the left-back position. In recent weeks, Myles Lewis Skelly, despite being a midfielder by trade, has played in the left-back role and has shown fans that he is more than capable of thriving at this level. However, £42m summer signing Riccardo Calafiori could now return to the line-up after his muscle injury.

Midfield

Arsenal have had their share of injury issues to deal with this season, but at this moment in time Mikel Arteta has nearly a clean bill of health in the middle of the park. The only notable absentee at the moment is Ethan Nwaneri, who is expected to miss the next few weeks with a muscle injury after being subbed off in the 1-1 draw with Brighton.

Arsenal played a midfield three of Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard and are expected to keep that same trio, with Mikel Merino providing an option from the subs bench.

Attack

With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both out for the foreseeable future, Arsenal are a long way from their best in attack and this was encapsulated by the numerous missed opportunities to score against Tottenham despite the 2-1 victory.

Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s only fit striker, meaning he is almost guaranteed to lead the line. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli is replace Raheem Sterling out wide after the Chelsea loanee’s failure to make an impact against Tottenham Hotspur. Former Brighton star Leandro Trossard is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up.

Full Arsenal line-up: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard.