This Sunday, when the league leaders travel to the West Midlands to play an Aston Villa team that is presently riding a 14-match winning streak when playing in front of Villa Park supporters, Arsenal’s title credentials will be put to the test once more.
After Unai Emery, the former manager of the Gunners, replaced Steven Gerrard in October 2022, Villa immediately turned around and are now third in the league table following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Manchester City, the defending champions.
After Liverpool’s stellar run of play under Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal has to win to stay atop the standings, but Villa will be optimistic about their chances of pulling off another surprise win in a match that may see them fall just one point short of the top spot.
The widely anticipated fixture promises to be an intriguing watch for both sets of supporters. With that in mind we have rounded up all of the key teams news and the key injuries and doubts affecting both club’s team selections in the run up to the top of the table clash.
Fabio Vieira – out
Removed: Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu, a Japanese international, has shown his usefulness in the absence of Oleksandr Zinechnko in recent weeks, but Mikel Arteta reports that he will be sidelined for some time due to a calf injury.
Thomas Partey – out
A thigh injury has ruled Thomas Partey out of most of this season’s game and he will not play again in 2023.
Emile Smith-Rowe – out
Academy graduate Emile Smith-Rowe faces a few weeks on the sidelines with a knee problem, which comes at a frustrating time as he began to show signs of renewed form.
Jurrien Timber – out
Summer signing Jurrien Timber impressed in pre-season before suffering a serious ACL injury on the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest. The extent of his injury means he could be an absentee for most, if not all of the season.
Aston Villa injury news
Bertrand Traore – doubtful
Ex-Lyon man Bertrand Traore has been limited to just 10 minutes of football this season due to injury. He is a big doubt for the game but could retain before the end of 2023.
Tyrone Mings – out
England international and former Villa captain Tyrone Mings is expected to miss the entire season with a knee injury which he sustained against Newcastle in August.
Emi Buendia – out
Emi Buendia is also expected to miss the entire season with a knee injury sustained on his side’s final pre-season game.
