Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Arsenal: Three changes made as Emery braces for big Tielemans and Digne calls

Aston Villa are back in action on Saturday with a tricky home clash against Arsenal. The Midlands outfit head into the game in confident mood though after their recent impressive run of form. They are in the top four as they aim to get back into the Champions League this season.

Unai Emery’s side won 4-3 away at Brighton and Hove Albion last time out. Ollie Watkins managed to score twice against the Seagulls at the AMEX Stadium, whilst Amadou Onana and Donyell Malen also bagged. Here is a look at their predicted line-up to face the Gunners up next...

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Arsenal - goalkeeper and defence

GK: Marco Bizot: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has suffered an injury. That meant Bizot played against Brighton instead. The stopper joined in the summer from Stade Brestois and has since provided cover between the sticks.

RB: Matty Cash: The Poland international has been ever-present for Emery’s side this term. He likes to get up and down the right flank of defence. He has been on the books at Villa Park since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2020.

CB: Ezri Konsa: He has had an eye-catching campaign to date for both club and country. The England international has been a key player under Thomas Tuchel. Aston Villa snapped him up back in 2019 from Brentford and he hasn’t looked back since.

CB: Pau Torres: The Spaniard scored an unfortunate own goal against Brighton. He has formed a solid partnership alongside Konsa over recent weeks. Tyrone Mings remains sidelined which has given him a run in the starting XI.

LB: Lucas Digne: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Digne come in for Ian Maatsen against Arsenal. He is more experienced and will be fresh after starting on the bench against the Seagulls. The Frenchman is more experienced and is better equipped to deal with Bukayo Saka.

Aston Villa predicted XI vs Arsenal - midfield and attack

CM: Amadou Onana: Aston Villa signed him back in 2024 from fellow top flight side Everton. He gives them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. Onana will be feeling confident after scoring against Brighton.

CM: Youri Tielemans: Emery will want his team to be fresh and energised against Arsenal. Therefore, he may bring Tielemans back into the fold from the off. That means that Boubakar Kamara may have to make way.

RW: Donyell Malen: Malen has been in impressive form for Aston Villa recently and added to his tally against the Seagulls. It initially took him a while to adapt to life in England after his switch to Borussia Dortmund. The attacker has clearly found his feet now.

CAM: Morgan Rogers: The attacking midfielder joined his current club back in January 2024. They took a gamble on him after he caught their eye in the Championship at Middlesbrough. He has since become a key player and hasn’t looked back since his transfer.

LW: John McGinn: He will be feeling good after helping Scotland qualify for the World Cup last month. The Scots will be at the tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico. McGinn has also been recently rewarded with a new contract.

ST: Ollie Watkins: It has been a dry term for him in front of goal by his standards. Watkins struck twice for Aston Villa against Brighton though and will hope that is a turning point for him. Emery could do with another option up top to push Watkins for his position.

Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Arsenal in full: Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Malen, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins