Mikel Arteta’s side returns to Premier League action at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, so let’s take a look at our Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa.

Arsenal got back to winning ways in the Premier League against Manchester United last weekend. After consecutive 1-0 defeats to Manchester City and Leicester City, they inflicted a 1-0 defeat on the hosts at Old Trafford.

Next up, Mikel Arteta’s side face Aston Villa, who have made a strong start to the season. They currently sit above Arsenal on goal difference, after their 7-2 victory against Liverpool.

The visitors are on the back of a couple of defeats, but they were a little unlucky to see Southampton in such clinical form in the 4-3 last weekend. Arteta will need to go strong to get a win, so here’s our Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa.

Goalkeeper

Bernd Leno should start, as he usually does in the Premier League matches. Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson will feature on the bench.

Defence

Arsenal should return to their first-choice defence after their Europa League clash in midweek. That means Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin and Gabriel Magalhaes starting.

After Rob Holding’s performance against Manchester United, it seems pretty likely he’ll start as well. David Luiz is the main alternative, though it depends whether he’s fit and whether he features in the Molde match.

Calum Chambers and Pablo Mari are still out, and Arteta should limit Shkodran Mustafi to Europa League games until his form improves.

Midfield

After he ran the show against Manchester United, Thomas Partey should reprieve his role in midfield this weekend. Mohamed Elneny has also earned his place in the starting lineup, so it seems likely Arteta sticks with the two of them.

Bukayo Saka will probably come in for the left-centre-midfield/wing-back role. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is the main alternative.

The likes of Granit Xhaka, Dani Ceballos and Joe Willock will all hope to break into Arteta’s first-choice side, but it’s just hard to see who they replace while Partey, Elneny and Saka are all playing well.

Forwards

There doesn’t seem to be much chance of any changes here. Just like against United, we’re predicting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Willian to start.

It’s a bit frustrating because the trio still aren’t really gelling at all, despite the win last Sunday, and Arteta has plenty of alternatives.

For now, it looks more like Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Folarin Balogun and the rest will continue to get Europa League games instead. Gabriel Martinelli remains on the sidelines with his long-term injury.

Full Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa