Arsenal will hit the road on Saturday to take on Aston Villa in a Premier League clash.
Mikel Arteta may well have revenge on his mind as Arsenal travel to Villa Park this weekend.
Last season, the Midlands outfit did the double over the Gunners, beating them home and away in the Premier League. Those two defeats had huge ramifications for Arsenal, as they ultimately missed out on winning the title by two points.
Arsenal legend Robert Pires believes losing to Aston Villa in April was the biggest mistake his former side made last season, and the North London club will surely be determined to show that they have learned from that error this time around. They are heading into this match with a point to prove.
However, Arteta still needs to be wary of the threat that Unai Emery’s side pose. Whilst the Spanish coach will want his team to take the game to the Villans, and put them to the sword, there has to be a measure of pragmatism in their gameplan.
For that reason, Arsenal fans are desperate to see Oleksandr Zinchenko benched for this match.
Arsenal fans want Oleksandr Zinchenko to sit out Aston Villa clash
Zinchenko has a point of his own to prove this season. The Ukrainian defender slipped down the pecking order last time around following a period of poor form that was littered with individual errors.
At his best, the left-back gives the Gunners another dimension to their attacking play. However, Zinchenko is something of a defensive liability, and up against the pace of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey he could easily be exposed.
Arsenal fans on X are now urging Arteta to bench Zinchenko for this match.
One said: “If Arteta does this [start Zinchenko] I won’t watch the game. It will be too painful to watch.”
Another stated: “Arteta should not let him go through that.”
One supporter added: “It HAS to be Timber. He’s the only one who can compete with Bailey athletically.”
Another agreed, claiming: “Timber would be the best option.”
Another chipped in with: “Timber is the best option and I Hope Arteta knows that.”
Will Jurrien Timber start vs Aston Villa?
Jurrien Timber has not started a game of first team football for a long time, following his ACL injury at the beginning of last season. However, if the Dutchman is now physically ready for the task of stepping into the starting XI, then this fixture would suit his qualities.
The former Ajax man has the defensive capabilities to cope with Bailey, but would still give Arsenal something going forward. However, if he is not ready to start, then Arteta may also consider summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, who is yet to make his competitive debut for the club.
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