Arsenal head into their Saturday lunchtime clash with Aston Villa in desperate need of three points after being usurped at the top of the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The Gunners, who fell to a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, have now taken one point from their last nine following a draw against Brentford and defeat to Everton, and are in danger of slipping out of the title race if they continue to struggle.
Next up to try and stop them from taking top spot back is none other than their former boss, Unai Emery, now in charge of a resurgent Aston Villa side and no doubt keen to get one over on his former side and his successor.
We take a look at the latest team news coming out of the Arsenal camp, and how we expect them to line up against the Villains.
Predicted XI
Team News
There are no new injuries for the Gunners following their defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, meaning that Mikel Arteta could well have the same squad to pick from at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime.
Thomas Partey may not be risked against Aston Villa after the Ghanaian midfielder suffered a muscle injury in his back before the clash with Manchester City, which could see Jorginho continue his role at the base of Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Meanwhile, Ben White could come back into the side after Takehiro Tomiyasu’s eventful night against the Cityzens, and there could be a full debut for Leandro Trossard, though his inclusion likely depends on whether Kieran Tierney is preferred to Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back.
Elsewhere, both Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe remain out with injuries, with both expected to be back by the end of the month. Mohamed Elneny, however, has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.
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