Arsenal travel to Aston Villa knowing anything less than a victory against their former head coach will see the pressure intensify greater than ever this season. Three games in the league without a win and now second in the table despite having a game in hand, Manchester City have built momentum and seeded doubt in their rivals.
Mikel Arteta won this clash last year with a sole Bukayo Saka goal. However, Arsenal in this dip of form needs to find a way out with rotation likely to be a major factor having played less than three days ago.
Emile Smith Rowe could return to the squad and questions remain over Thomas Partey's fitness. Opportunities could come knocking for Leandro Trossard and Kieran Tierney whilst there are suggestions that the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah are in need of some rest and recovery.
