Unai Emery has made several changes from the team that played in the Europa League, although he retains Bukayo Saka for his first ever Premier League start.
Arsenal have named a strong starting lineup to face Aston Villa in the Premier League as they look to build on their midweek win in the Europa League. Bernd Leno returns between the sticks to replace Emiliano Martinez, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles takes over from Calum Chambers at right-back. Sead Kolasinac keeps his place on the opposite flank.
Sokratis, who was rested against Eintracht Frankfurt, returns in his central defensive position to partner David Luiz, while Shkodran Mustafi drops out entirely from the squad.
? Six changes from our #UEL win in Frankfurt
➡️ Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Guendouzi, Ceballos, Pepe
⬅️ Martinez, Chambers, Mustafi, Torreira, Smith Rowe, Willock#ARSAVL— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 22, 2019
Granit Xhaka keeps his place in central midfield after a decent outing in the Europa League. He will be partnered by the Matteo Guendouzi, who replaces Uruguayan Lucas Torreira. Dani Ceballos starts in the home game against Aston Villa and is primarily preferred over Mesut Ozil, who started as the no. 10 last weekend.
Unai Emery has handed Bukayo Saka his first-ever Premier League start after the young winger impressed against Eintracht Frankfurt with a goal and two assists. Nicolas Pepe will start on the right wing, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang taking the central striking role in the absence of the injured Alexandre Lacazette.
Arsenal’s bench comprises of Martinez, Chambers, Torreira, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson, Ozil and Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal Starting XI: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Luiz, Sokratis, Kolasinac; Xhaka, Guendouzi; Pepe, Ceballos, Saka; Aubameyang
