Aston Villa v Arsenal predicted XI – Unai Emery to make Jhon Duran call after West Ham heroics
Aston Villa will look to make it two wins from two in the Premier League as they welcome Arsenal to Villa Park on Saturday 24 August.
The Villans began their campaign with three points thanks to a late Jhon Duran winner in a 2-1 win against West Ham.
Unai Emery’s side were comfortable for the most part at the London Stadium but the Gunners will represent a much tougher test.
The Spaniard will want to get one up, once again, against his former side and Emi Martinez will be in the same boat after signing a new contract on Wednesday (21 August).
The defensive line will feature at least one change with Matty Cash going off against the Hammers which could see him ruled out for the foreseeable.
This could see Diego Carlos come in, forcing Ezri Konsa out to right back while Lucas Digne and Pau Torres look set to keep their spots in the starting XI.
Last time out against Arsenal, the Brazilian won the Man of the Match of the Match award after keeping a clean sheet and a 92 per cent pass accuracy [FotMob].
In the midfield, Amadou Onana looks set to keep his place alongside Youri Tielemans after a dream debut. With 51 touches, a 97 per cent pass completion rate and a goal [FotMob], supporters will be excited to watch him again.
Unai Emery could hand Jhon Duran start v Arsenal
In the wide areas, Leon Bailey and John McGinn are likely to keep their spots in the starting XI once again.
The Villa captain struggled on the opening day, failing to make a positive impact with just a 50 per cent tackle success rate and one chance missed [FotMob]. With that being said, the skipper will likely start.
Ahead of them, Morgan Rogers was superb against the Hammers as his performance levels continue to improve game-by-game. The 22-year-old looks set to keep his role for the clash against Arsenal at Villa Park.
Emery has a decision to make with Ollie Watkins after his lacklustre showing at the London Stadium on opening day.
After just 15 touches across 62 minutes of action featuring a zero per cent dribble success rate [FotMob], he could be dropped for the matchwinner Duran but that seems to be an unlikely decision for Emery to make this early in the season.
In other Aston Villa news, Raheem Sterling offer made as Chelsea exit edges closer.
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