Will Arsenal be able to rebound off Tuesday’s disastrous defeat at Wolves to be ready for Saturday?
It’s a trip to Villa Park on the weekend to face Dean Smith’s Claret and Blue, a club that sits one place higher in the Premier League table than the Gunners. Even though Aston Villa has won only two of their last six PL matches, this will once again be a very difficult task for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
To make it even more challenging for Arteta is the fact David Luiz, Bernd Leno, and probably Kieren Tierney will be sidelined for the match as well.
Okay, enough of the negatives. Let’s focus on some of the positive, such we?
Nicolas Pepe is finally beginning to show some of the form that brought him to Arsenal in the first place. I mean, the goal he scored on Tuesday will be considered for the club’s Goal of the Year. His remarkable control and patience earned him a “worldly” score. Not only that, he played with spirit, aggressiveness and a ‘never say die attitude’ for the entire 90 minutes. Pepe was truly a bright spot at Wolves.
Another player who deserves some of the spotlight is Cedric Soares. In the last few games he has covered for Hector Bellerin, and for Kieren Tierney. He can play both sides of the field, contributing offensively, while also covering on the defensive. It’s been great watching Cedric blossom as well in the past few weeks.
Other positives include the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the resurgence to form of Thomas Partey, the continuing growth of Rob Holding and the on-going brilliance of Bukayo Saka. Yes, Mikel Arteta has some concerns, but he has some bright spots to rely on as well.
Okay, let’s take a look at what we can expect the boss to do on Saturday. His biggest concern will be at the goalkeeper position. Runar Runarsson will probably start since newcomer Mat Ryan is still battling an injury. The backline will need to be even more diligent on Saturday to protect the young keeper.
With that said, here’s my early predicted starting XI on Saturday at Villa Park…
[4-2-1-3]
Aubameyang, Lacazette, Pepe
Saka
Xhaka, Partey
Cedric, Gabriel, Holding, Bellerin
Runarsson
Will the bright spots shine at Villa?
Cheers.
Gunner1953
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