Arsenal will face Aston Villa on Saturday evening, aiming to reverse last season’s disappointing results against Unai Emery’s team.
Villa managed to secure a 1-0 win at Villa Park and a surprising 2-0 victory at Emirates Stadium during the 2023/24 season.
Mikel Arteta acknowledged Villa’s strengths, stating, “They are a really good side.
If you give them space in behind, they are phenomenal. They are great at finding space and are a threat on set pieces.”
Arsenal seeks to build on their 2-0 win against Wolves in their season opener.
However, new signing Mikel Merino will not feature, as he is still finalizing his move from Real Sociedad.
Eddie Nketiah, despite speculation about his future, is expected to travel with the squad. Arteta mentioned, “I expect Eddie to train with us today and be prepared for tomorrow.
Whatever happens will happen if it’s good for everybody.”
Defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney remain sidelined with injuries and are “a few weeks behind” in their recovery.
Fabio Vieira, who missed the Premier League opener due to a hip injury, has returned to training but is set to leave on loan to Porto, following an agreement reached with the Gunners.
