Premier League: Aston Villa vs Arsenal Dream11 Prediction, Probable Lineup, Preview, Team News

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Arsenal's Premier League title bid will take a massive test as they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on Saturday (February 18).

A three-match winless streak has seen the Gunners toppled from their top spot in the Premier League table by Manchester City, and any further slip will dilute their chances big time in the race for the coveted title.

It is to be seen how Mikel Arteta's team responds against a Villa side, who currently sit 11th in the league table. The Midlands outfit is managed by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery and have won two of their last 5 PL matches.

The North London club are level on points with Manchester City but are behind on goal difference. With some crucial fixtures coming ahead, the onus will be on the North London club to get maximum points in the upcoming matches to stay in the race.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Team News:

Aston Villa will be missing defender Tyrone Mings who is out till the end of February. Diego Carlos (Achilles), Bertrand Traore (Muscular) are also sidelined and will miss the Arsenal clash. Ollie Watkins is set to lead the line for Villa after his impressive display against Manchester City in the last match. Former Arsenal defender Calum Chambers may also start against his old club on Saturday.

Arsenal's injury list has extended as Thomas Partey is the latest addition. Along with the Ghanaian, Emile Smith Rowe (Thigh), Gabriel Jesus (Knee) and Mohamed Elneny (Knee) are the other confirmed absentees.

Mikel Arteta had to make a forced change in the Man City clash and he may stick with Jorginho and Granit Xhaka in the midfield. Apart from that, the Gunners are poised to field the same team. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli are set to feature while Eddie Nketiah is expected to lead the line.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Probable Lineup:

Aston Villa Starting XI: Martinez; Young, Chambers, Konsa, Digne; Ramsey, Luiz, Kamara, Coutinho; Watkins, Bailey

Arsenal Starting XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Jorginho; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Key Players:

For the home side, Ollie Watkins will be definitely a player to keep an eye on. The Englishman has scored 6 goals for them and is the joint highest-scorer along with Danny Ings. Douglas Luiz in the midfield will also play a crucial role in the match given his defensive qualities and ability to pick passes while going forward.

For the Gunners, Martin Odegaard (8) and Bukayo Saka (8) are the current top-scorers and will play a massive part at Villa Park. Jorginho, who played the entirety of Arsenal's defeat against Man City, will be key for the Gunners in the midfield. Eddie Nketiah may also play a big role as the youngster will have to convert his chances at the Villa Park.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Dream11 Team and Prediction:

Aston Villa do have a decent squad but they have some defensive issues which may prove to be too much against a team like Arsenal. Although Unai Emery is a brilliant tactician, we predict Arsenal will come away with all three points in the game.

The Dream11 team can be an Arsenal-heavy squad that the users can make, but don't forget to include some key Aston Villa players in the team. Here is the Dream11 team-

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale (ARS)

Defenders: Ezri Konsa (VIL), William Saliba (ARS), Lucas Digne (VIL)

Midfielders: Bukayo Saka (ARS), Douglas Luiz (VIL), Martin Odegaard (ARS), Boubacar Kamara (VIL)

Attackers: Gabriel Martinelli (ARS), Ollie Watkins (VIL), Eddie Nketiah (ARS)

Vice-Captain and Captain: Bukayo Saka will be the obvious choice as Captain and Eddie Nketiah can be slotted in as the vice-captain for the Dream11 team.