Kieran Tierney is out and Bukayo Saka is a surprise inclusion for Arsenal alongside Alexandre Lacazette, while Nicolas Pepe and Martin Odegaard are benched.
Mikel Arteta has chosen his Arsenal starting lineup to face Aston Villa at the Emirates, with Kieran Tierney missing out due to fitness issues. Bukayo Saka is a surprise starter, given his fitness status all week.
In defence, Aaron Ramsdale starts in goal, with Tahehiro Tomiyasu at right-back. Ben White and Gabriel continue their central defensive partnership. There is one change for the left-back spot, as Nuno Tavares is preferred to the unfit Tierney, who misses out altogether.
? Here’s how we line up for #ARSAVL…
▪️ @NunoTavares makes full PL debut
▪️ @LacazetteAlex recalled
▪️ Sambi starts in midfield— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 22, 2021
This week, Thomas Partey has a new partner with Albert Sambi Lokonga preferred in midfield, which signifies a rather controlled approach from Arteta. Martin Odegaard only finds himself on the bench after two disappointing games for the club.
Surprisingly Bukayo Saka makes it to the starting lineup after not training the whole week due to the kick he suffered against Crystal Palace. He starts on the right side, while Emile Smith Rowe takes the no.10 role from Odegaard.
Alexandre Lacazette is rewarded for his cameo performance against Crystal Palace with a starting spot against Aston Villa. The Frenchman’s inclusion displaced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from a central role as the captain starts on the left-hand side.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Lokonga, Partey; Saka, Smith-Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette
