Hause Returns, Watkins And Ings To Start | Predicted 3-5-2 Aston Villa Lineup Vs Arsenal | OneFootball

Aston Villa are aiming to get back to winning ways when they take on Arsenal on Friday. The Villans haven’t had the best of starts to their Premier League campaign, having collected only 10 points in eight matches. A win over Manchester United was their high point of the season so far, but Dean Smith’s men have since lost back to back matches to Tottenham and Wolves, making this a must-win encounter for the away side.

Predicted Aston Villa Lineup Vs Arsenal

Defence

Dean Smith made one eye-catching change against Wolves by taking out Kortney Hause in favour of Axel Tuanzebe. He might want to revert that decision, which means we are expecting Hause to return to the heart of the back-three.

The Englishman should reclaim his spot alongside Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa against an Arsenal side that often struggles to create opportunities, though, it might be an excellent opportunity for the three to retain a rare clean sheet.

Nevertheless, goalkeeper Emi Martinez will have to be alert against his former side. It remains to be seen whether the Argentine will be welcomed at Emirates, but he will be keen on producing a solid display in between the sticks for his team.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Kortney Hause of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace at Villa Park on December 26, 2020 in Birmingham, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Rui Vieira – Pool/Getty Images)

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Midfield

Matty Cash is a slight doubt heading into this game after a dead leg against Wolves. But he should be fit enough to retain his place at right-wingback, while Matt Targett, too, is a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank. These two could be key in offering the support out wide and stretching the Arsenal backline.

As for the midfield department, John McGinn and Douglas Luiz remain the favourites to start. But alongside them, Smith may opt for Jacob Ramsey, ahead of new signing Emi Buendia, though that could change in the second half.

Attack

Moving forward, Aston Villa should continue with the offensive combination of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins. The latter has had a slow start to the season with just one goal. He needs to fire on all cylinders if the Villans are to create anything going forward while the onus of scoring goals will be on Ings.

Anwar El Ghazi is a potential alternative in the attack, though Villa’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of their first-choice duo.