Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries
Today at 02:00 AM
Arsenal will look to build on their encouraging north London derby victory when they face Aston Villa next in the Premier League today.
Mikel Arteta’s side got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tottenham in midweek to end their three-game winless run in all competitions.
And with Liverpool held to a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, the Gunners are now just four points off the current league leaders.
Arsenal faced a quick turnaround before today’s tricky clash and are still dealing with a depleted squad and injuries in several key positions.
Before Wednesday’s win against Spurs, Arsenal confirmed that striker Gabriel Jesus will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines having suffered a cruciate ligament injury to his knee.
The Brazilian had enjoyed a return to goalscoring form in the past month but is not surely set to miss the rest of the season as he prepares to undergo surgery.
Jesus’ injury adds to Arsenal’s troubles in the attacking third, with Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri both still sidelined with their respective issues.
In their absence, Raheem Sterling has started Arsenal’s last two games on the right wing and could be set for his third straight start today.
Gabriel Martinelli could return to the starting lineup after being benched against Spurs, while the under-pressure Kai Havertz may still lead the line as Arsenal search for striking reinforcements in the transfer window.
Arsenal are not currently hampered by injuries in central midfield and Arteta may opt to keep the same trio as he started against Tottenham.
And in defence, Riccardo Calafiori remains a doubt after he suffered his latest setback prior to Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United last weekend.
‘We have a few decisions to make this afternoon with the medical staff, to understand whether they are in the best condition to [play] this game or the next one,’ Arteta said when asked about the Italian’s condition in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
In Calafiori is not fit to return, youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to continue at left-back as he continues to go from strength to strength having broken into the first team this season.
There was a slight concern over Jurrien Timber’s fitness after he was withdrawn early against United last weekend, but the Dutch defender played the full 90 minutes in midweek against Spurs.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Aston Villa
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli
Where to watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa? Kick-off time and TV channel
Arsenal vs Aston Villa kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday, January 18.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch today’s match live on Sky Sports and Sky Go, with coverage beginning at 5pm.
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