After a dramatic 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace last matchday, Arsenal will be back in action against Dean Smith’s Aston Villa on a Friday evening at the Emirates.

The Gunners will be looking to extend their Premier League undefeated streak to six games. Arsenal will be hoping for a win against the Villians after two back-to-back draws against Brighton and Patrick Viera’s Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa will come into this game with a 3-2 defeat against Wolves last matchday. With Grealish departing Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, Dean Smith’s men have had a not so fairytale start into the Premier League. They currently sit 13th in the points one point below the Gunners. 

Aston Villa have been victorious against the Gunners in the last three consecutive meetings between the two sides. The Gunners have not scored a single goal against the Villians since the 3-2 victory in September 2019.

The most recent meeting between the two clubs was on February 2021 in a league game at the Villa Park. The hosts ran out winners after a Granit Xhaka error which ultimately led to a goal for the Villians and a disappointing defeat for the Gunners.

WHEN AND WHERE?

Venue: Emirates Stadium.

Date: 22nd October 2021

Time: 20:00 BST.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Craig Pawson.

Assistant Referees: Richard West, Dan Robathan.

Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury.

Fourth Official: Micheal Oliver.

Assistant VAR: Peter Kirkup.

TEAM NEWS

ARSENAL

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Bukayo Saka’s availability for the game will be assessed, as the youngster was taken off at halftime after a kick to his calf by Palace player James McArthur (which surprisingly wasn’t a red card). Granit Xhaka will again be absent as the Swiss International is recovering from a knee injury. 

Aston Villa

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Bertrand Traore, Leon Bailey, Morgan Sanson are all doubt for the game against the North London Club. The trio will undergo a late fitness test to determine their availability. Dean Smith won’t be able to call upon the services of Trezeguet as the player is recovering from a knee injury he suffered in April 2021.

PREDICTED LINEUPS

Arsenal (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale(GK), Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe.

Aston Villa (3-4-1-2): Emi Martinez(GK), Ezri Konsa, Axel Tuanzebe, Tyron Mings, Matty Cash, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Matt Targett, Danny Ings, Olie Watkins.

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