Gabriel Set to Spark Arsenal's Title Push as Gunners Face Villa in Must-Win Showdown
Arsenal welcome Aston Villa on Tuesday evening in what looks set to be one of the Premier League's most captivating encounters this campaign.
The Gunners enter this match sitting at the summit of the table, appearing as the most formidable championship challengers they've been during Mikel Arteta's tenure. Nevertheless, they're up against Villa—the division's hottest team right now.
The Villans arrive following a remarkable club-record streak of 11 straight victories across all competitions, leaving behind a string of defeated opponents including Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, whom they overcame 2-1 at Villa Park in the earlier meeting this December courtesy of a stunning late strike from Emiliano Buendía.
The importance is amplified this time around. Victory would stretch Arsenal's advantage to five points (at minimum until Manchester City take on Sunderland on New Year's Day), while a loss for the Gunners would enable Villa to match them on points and create an opening for City to move ahead.
Here's how Arteta might set up his team against Villa on Tuesday.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Raya delivered another dependable performance as Arsenal narrowly defeated Brighton 2-1 on Saturday, making several crucial stops and initiating attacks through his passing, despite it lacking its typical sharpness.
RB: Declan Rice—With Jurrien Timber uncertain and Ben White remaining unavailable, Rice filled in at right back against Brighton and performed admirably. He's expected to feature there once more versus Villa, despite operating outside his natural role.
CB: Gabriel Magalhães—Gabriel returned to action for the first time since November against Brighton, featuring for approximately 20 minutes. Arteta will be keen to restore him to the starting eleven.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba faced minimal challenges against Brighton but executed his responsibilities smoothly, as usual. He's guaranteed to start against Villa.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—A recent squad addition, Lewis-Skelly encountered difficulties against Brighton, losing several battles and appearing vulnerable. However, with Ricardo Califiori injured, he stays Arsenal's sole realistic left-back option.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—Arsenal's captain and creative force is finally displaying his peak ability, supported by Martín Zubimendi beside him, which allows Ødegaard the liberty to orchestrate and advance. The Norwegian will be crucial against Villa's defensively robust midfield.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—The Spanish midfielder has been virtually faultless this campaign, rapidly establishing himself as one of Arteta's most trusted assets in the center of the park.
CM: Mikel Merino—Arsenal's versatile performer. With Rice anticipated to deputize at right back for the consecutive match, Merino is set to return to his preferred midfield position, where his calmness and tactical intelligence make him a dependable figure.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Arsenal's star player on the right flank. Although he hasn't scored against Villa in his previous four meetings, expect him to be central to any offensive moves on Tuesday evening.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—The forward has battled for form this season, managing only five Premier League strikes thus far, with two coming from penalties. Tuesday's encounter presents him with another chance to deliver and validate the Gunners' summer expenditure.
LW: Leandro Trossard—Fending off challenges from Gabriel Martinelli and Eberechi Eze, Trossard has flourished on the left this season. He's expected to retain his spot for the Villa showdown.
