Aston Villa will be desperately looking to get back to winning ways after a run of two winless games in the Premier League. However, things could be difficult as they travel to Emirates to face Arsenal tomorrow.
The newly-promoted Premier League outfit are coming on the back of a goalless draw with West Ham United. Although a win could be helpful at this stage, the Villans’ main priority would be to salvage at least a point against the Gunners.
Here is how Dean Smith’s men may line up this weekend.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Frederic Guilbert has emerged as the first-choice right-back for Aston Villa, of late. He will once again get the nod ahead of Ahmed Elmohamady this weekend. Neil Taylor, meanwhile, is also expected to retain his role on the opposite flank, with Matt Targett once again settling for a place on the bench.
Aston Villa have a balanced defensive partnership of Tyrone Mings and new signing Bjorn Engels. Mings, in particular, is currently one of Premier League’s hottest defensive prospects and it will be interesting to see how he performs against a top club like Arsenal.
Tom Heaton is a guaranteed starter in between the sticks for Aston Villa, ahead of Lovre Kalinic, Jed Steer and Orjan Nyland. The former Burnley man will be looking for his third clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Marvelous Nakamba has become a regular fixture in the Aston Villa midfield for the past couple of games. He is expected to get the nod over Conor Hourihane in the lone defensive midfield slot. Smith could, however, utilise Hourihane later on in the game to add more stability in midfield.
Nakamba will be partnered by the exciting duo of John McGinn and Jack Grealish in midfield. Both of these players will operate in a slightly advanced role, where they will look to provide creative essence while giving defensive cover for Nakamba.
Attack
The Aston Villa attack will be spearheaded by Wesley, who has scored only one goal this season. But, this is an ideal platform for the Brazilian to shine as he is expected to play a crucial role in the first line of press.
Wesley will be supported by the wide attacking duo of Jota and Anwar El Ghazi, who will start over Mahmoud Trezeguet at left-wing. Both these attackers will look to shift into a central role and put pressure on the two Arsenal central defenders, both of whom have looked susceptible in the build-up play.
