Aston Villa face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, and here’s how Unai Emery’s starting line-up looks for the encounter at the Emirates.
It promises to be a difficult task against the title-chasing Gunners, who come into this in top form and desperate to secure all three points to move back to the top of the table.
READ MORE: Why Villa duo must now form important partnership amid key absence
However, motivation should be just as high within our group too given a win this weekend – coupled with results elsewhere – would be huge for us as we continue our pursuit of Champions League qualification for next season.
In turn, it sets up an intriguing showdown as Villa look to do the league double over Arsenal following our 1-0 win at home in December, but Emery is continuing to deal with major absences in the squad.
Long-term absentees Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Buendia and Boubacar Kamara remain sidelined, while Jacob Ramsey’s season is over. Douglas Luiz will play no part as he serves the first game of his two-match suspension, but there was better news on the injury front from the Villa boss in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Both Clement Lenglet and Matty Cash resumed group training after their recent setbacks, and so it had been hoped that the defensive duo would at least make the squad this weekend.
As per Villa’s tweet below, the pair have been given the green light as they return to the bench in an important double boost, while Emery makes two changes to the side that defeated Lille in midweek.
Nicolo Zaniolo and Moussa Diaby come in for Luiz and Leon Bailey, and although we have a strong bench with key options to call upon if needed, it’s hoped that Emery has the perfect game-plan and set-up to get us off to a strong start to come away with a positive result.
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— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 14, 2024
