Aston Villa will make the trip to London this evening to take on Arsenal, with the two clubs knowing all-too well of each other.
The Villains lost their star Jack Grealish over the summer, but replaced him with a wealth of talent, although none of those talents have found the consistency for their new side just yet.
While Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings were brought in to replace the now-Man City star, only the latter has taken the move in his stride so far.
The former Liverpool and Southampton goalscorer has proved to be amongst the most clinical in the division in recent season, scoring 46 PL goals in just 100 appearances for the Saints, and we will most definitely need to limit his opportunities in and around the box.
John McGinn has always appeared to be somewhat of an unsung hero in the middle of the park, one I rate as their overall best player in the side, and most important. The Scotland international is regularly the one snuffing out the tackle, as well as being the main outlet for key passes, and I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of his keen eye for goal also.
While Tyrone Mings and Emi Martinez will no doubt make life difficult for our strikers, it is at the other end of the pitch where we will have our hands more full I feel.
We already named Ings as one to look out for, but his strike-partner in Ollie Watkins is also a thoroughly impressive forward with an array of skills, and it would be no shock if he found himself at a bigger club in the near future.
Watkins will need to have been given special attention in the build-up to today’s clash, and he could well have heard rumours of interest in his signature from our club, which could have him giving his all this evening.
Predicted Villa XI:
Martinez
Konsa Tuanzebe Mings
Cash McGinn Luiz Targett
Buendia
Ings Watkins
Watkins could hold off our CBs last season, so I expect him to do it again. Smith-Rowe and Odegaard could be our main engine, but they must play in their best positions
I’m sure Gabriel will be fine with Watkins, it’s little Rolls Royce I am concerned with. From what we’ve seen so far, easily bullied.
I’m worried about him too
Let’s hope Tomi helps the little “Rose Royce out. The coach can also gamble on Rob Holding. But if the team play as a unit and help each other there won’t be problem in defense. Aston Villa only managed a goal against Arsenal last season on their own pitch. which was a lucky goal. My worry is if we can challenge well in middield
Our midfielders are too soft and slow, we need fast , strong and skillful midfielders, that can take the fight to the opponent, give them a lot to think about in their own half ,
Long
I agree with you absolutely 👌
In absents of Xhaka Saka fo Premier League match at home against Aston Villa tonight, could Arteta adopt the 442 playing formation style for the Gunners to start the match? Yes, if he does,and the play to it intelegebly, I believe Asenal will collect all the 3 points that will be at stake it the match.
My starts:
Ramsdale;
Timoyasu White Magalhaes Tierney;
AMN Party ESR Pepe;
Lacazette Aubameyang.
As a Villa fan, I hope you do play that front five as that will play right into our hands – way too attack minded. I also think you might get a rude awakening if Bailey plays, which I hope he will, as he will really exploit any weakness you have on that left side of defence.