Evann Guessand axed as Unai Emery recalls star – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Arsenal
Aston Villa are preparing to host Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
Arsenal are set for a trip to face Villa, with both sides keen to maintain their excellent runs of form that have lasted for many weeks.
The Gunners beat Brentford in mid-week, while Villa secured a 4-3 comeback victory against Brighton away at the Amex.
Ollie Watkins netted for Villa at Brighton as Amadou Onana and Donyell Malen went on to net and pocket three points on the south coast.
The Premier League leaders will represent a different test for Unai Emery’s side, with Evann Guessand potentially set to face the axe in B6.
Emi Martinez to return to starting XI vs Arsenal
Villa will welcome Arsenal to Villa Park with the hope of maintaining a positive recent run of form against Mikel Arteta’s side, despite picking up just one point in last season’s fixtures.
Emi Martinez will be hopeful of a positive result more than most, with the Argentine potentially set to come straight back in for Marco Bizot.
The 34-year-old made four saves against Brighton, but could drop out alongside his fellow countryman Ian Maatsen for the Midlands clash.
Lucas Digne could return and link up with Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Matty Cash in the starting XI after their combined 12 duel wins at the Amex.
Ahead of this defensive quartet, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara could remain in the side to combat Arsenal’s physicality.
The Belgium international chipped in with 17 defensive contributions last time out and would be more than deserving of keeping his starting spot.
He could link up with Youri Tielemans on the side after his cameo away to Brighton, which featured a 100 per cent dribble success and two tackles.
Youri Tielemans could replace Evann Guessand for Aston Villa
If the ex-Leicester City man is to come in, it looks destined to be at the expense of Guessand after he felt Emery’s wrath against the Seagulls.
The Ivory Coast international won just two of six duels and missed two big chances on the night before being replaced by Emi Buendia.
Tielemans could come in and feature as a number 10, potentially linking up with John McGinn to form a box midfield in the Midlands.
This will afford Morgan Rogers space to thrive and feature closer to Watkins, who could be set to start once again in claret and blue.
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