Mikel Arteta will be aiming to get back to winning ways as Arsenal host Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium today.
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, leaving them with the difficult task of needing a win in Germany next week.
The Gunners’ form in the Premier League has been near-flawless since the turn of the year though.
Arteta has led his side to 10 wins from their last 11 games in the league, putting Arsenal in a strong position in this year’s title race.
Standing in their way tomorrow will be a familiar face in Unai Emery. The former Arsenal boss is enjoying an exceptional campaign at Villa Park and has the Villains sitting in fourth place.
Arsenal will be aware of the threat Villa pose and it would seem that Arteta is ready to make one change to his backline today.
Arteta could drop Jakub Kiwior and start Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Evening Standard reports that Arteta is ‘likely’ to make a change at left-back against Villa.
Despite Jakub Kiwior’s excellent form this year, the 24-year-old endured a tough evening against Bayern on Tuesday.
The Poland international was replaced by Oleksandr Zinchenko at halftime, with Thierry Henry claiming the left-back changed the game for Arsenal.
Zinchenko stats for Arsenal this season
It’s fair to say that Zinchenko’s second season in north London hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.
The Ukrainian defender was ‘unbelievable’ during his debut campaign at Arsenal but has struggled to find his best form this time around.
He’s managed 32 appearances in all competitions this term, netting once and providing two assists.
His form and injury issues have led to Kiwior establishing himself as the preferred choice at left-back.
But Zinchenko offers Arteta a unique profile due to his ability to drift into midfield and help Arsenal in possession.
Should the 27-year-old start against Villa today, it will certainly help Arsenal dominate the ball. Yet, the defensive side of his game has been a cause of concern and he will be up against the in-form Leon Bailey.
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