Aston Villa vs. Arsenal confirmed lineups, expected starting 11, team news: Could Calafiori get Premier League debut for Gunners?

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal head to Villa Park to take on Unai Emery's Aston Villa on Saturday, August 24.

Both sides got off to winning starts on the opening weekend as the Gunners overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers and Villa beat West Ham United.

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka found the back of the net to secure a win 2-0 at the Emirates, while Jhon Duran bagged the winner at London Stadium in a 2-1 victory over the Hammers.

Villa beat Arsenal in both league meetings last season without conceding a goal, their 2-0 win in north London in April proving hugely damaging to the Gunners' title challenge. This is likely to be another keenly contested contest, even this early in the new campaign.

The Sporting News provides a look at how the two teams could line up.

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Aston Villa vs. Arsenal lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Despite his limited participation in preseason training, Ollie Watkins led the line for Villa but only lasted 62 minutes as Emery managed his game time. He will hope for longer against Arsenal. 

Amadou Onana made his debut for the Villans against West Ham, and what a debut it was as he powerfully headed home to give his side the lead.

The back four could see a change as Ian Maatsen gets to full match fitness at left-back. 

Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Martinez — Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen — Onana, Tielemans — Bailey, Rogers, McGinn — Watkins

Injured: Boubacar Kamara, Tyrone Mings, Robin Olsen
Suspended:

Arteta said that Declan Rice was withdrawn against Wolves due to a cramp in his leg, but he should be fit to start alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield.

Riccardo Calafiori may have to wait for his first Premier League start as the Gunners boss chose his trusted partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba at the back in the opening game. That may continue as the Italian adjusts to life in England's top flight, although he may get the chance at left-back in place of Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber — Odegaard, Partey, Rice — Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Injured: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, Fabio Vieira
Suspended:

Aston Villa vs. Arsenal live stream, TV channel

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