Aston Villa predicted starting line-up vs Arsenal - McGinn dropped

A look at the potential Villa team ahead of a hugely difficult test at Arsenal.

By Ben Ramsdale

Published 30th Aug 2022, 18:17 GMT

Updated 31st Aug 2022, 06:00 GMT

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Aston Villa travel to London on Wednesday evening to take on current Premier League leaders, Arsenal.

The Gunners have started the season like a house on fire and look a completley revitalised unit under Mikel Arteta, largely thanks to their impressive summer business.

Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa interacts with Fourth Official, Anthony Taylor during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park

Steven Gerrard, Manager of Aston Villa interacts with Fourth Official, Anthony Taylor during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park

Villa on the other hand, who looked to have completed some steady business of their own - have started in a far from ideal fashion.

They have just three points to their name and pressure has already begun mounting on manager Steven Gerrard.

The former Liverpool captain is desperate for a result and a change in fortune and he may just have to alter the team quite drastically for that to be possible against an extremely impressive looking Arsenal side.

Here’s the team BirminghamWorld think he may go with at the Emirates.

GK - Emi Martinez

No danger of losing his spot.

RB - Matty Cash

Similar to Martinez, doesn’t really have anyone that could take his spot.

CB - Calum Chambers

Will likely get the nod again next to Konsa.

CB - Ezri Konsa

He and Chambers defended well against West Ham. Tyrone Mings may return from injury but it would likely be for a spot on the bench.

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United is challenged by Lucas Digne of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United is challenged by Lucas Digne of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park

LB - Lucas Digne

Lacking the consistency big time this year but in no danger of losing his left-back spot.

CDM - Boubacar Kamara

Best man for the job in the anchor role. Still getting used to the Premier League.

CM - Douglas Luiz

Was arguably the most impressive midfielder against West Ham but got hooked off early. Deserves to start.

CM - Jacob Ramsey

Came on as a sub at the weekend - probably did enough to earn a start - especially over McGinn.

RW - Emi Buendia

Simply has to start. So much more threatening when he’s on the pitch.

ST - Ollie Watkins

If Villa are playing the one striker role - it suits Watkins better than it does Ings.

LW - Leon Bailey

Like Buendia - has to start. It’s not working for Villa’s forward players and it hardly comes as a shock when Buendia and Bailey never start together.

Arsenal London Steven Gerrard Premier League

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