Predicting the Arsenal Starting 11 For Their Match Against Aston Villa

It has been a torrid week for Arsenal. It began with a shock loss to rivals Tottenham at their home ground. The Gunners had completely dominated their London rivals and had a deserved two nil lead at the break. But somehow, Harry Redknapp's men ended the game with a 3-2 victory.

But it got worse for Arsene Wenger and his men. The North London giants travelled to Portugal to encounter the Portuguese champions Sporting Braga in the Champions League. Needing a mere point to qualify to the next round of Europe's most prestigious domestic competition and boasting a relatively fit starting XI, it looked a routine win for the Gunners.

However, horrific refereeing and an unengaged Arsenal attack alongside dismal defending saw Braga take a shock 2-0 victory, ensuring Arsenal must beat Serbian giants FK Partizan Belgrade at the Emirates to advance to the final 16.

To add salt to wounds, Wenger lost captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas to a  hamstring injury and key utility Emmanuel Eboue to a ligament injury during the SC Braga clash.

However, if any team is capable of reviving their title aspirations, it's Arsenal. The Gunners face a doughty Aston Villa outfit coached by a tremendously talented and experienced mentor in Gerard Houllier. Furthermore, the game is staged at the Villians home ground of Villa Park.

Wenger will be hoping to regain confidence and hope after successive shock losses as well as reinforcing Arsenal's presence throughout England. As usual the Frenchman will be without several key players. However, the main talking point will be if the Gunners can "kill off" the game, should they start strongly and take an early lead.

Nonetheless let's establish the Arsenal starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first-choice keeper Manuel Almunia completed 45 minutes for the Arsenal reserves as they beat Wolves, 2-1. The Spaniard has been absent since September with a persistent elbow injury. However, deputy keeper Lukasz Fabianski has been superb in Almunia's absence, proving his capability as a first-choice keeper.

Many believe that the Polish shot-stopper is now Arsenal's number one. Fabianski is certain to start, however it remains to be seen who will deputize out of Almunia and booming youngster Wojciech Szczensy. The two are contesting for a starting spot in the upcoming Carling Cup quarter final against Wigan next week and it is likely who ever is named on the bench will be the man to take on the Latics on Tuesday night.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen has been absent from first-team football since August due to a persistent Achilles injury and is expected to miss the clash. The Belgium absent has told sourly in the defensive line but unfortunately for the Gunners' faithful Vermaelen is not expected to return to full fitness until December.

Laurent Koscienly was demoted for the Braga encounter for Johan Djourou. Djourou was superb, a rare positive from the match, but is likely to be rested back to the bench ensuring Koscienly will partner with countryman Sebastien Squillaci at the heart of the defence.

Gael Clichy missed the Champions League fixture due to a back complaint which prompted Kieran Gibbs to deputize at left back. Clichy will have to pass a fitness test to ensure the Frenchman can play on Saturday but is likely to perform. Kierab Gibbs will return to the bench.

Emmanuel Eboue injured a knee ligament mid week and is expected to miss at least a month of football. Bacary Sagna will return to the starting XI after being rested against Braga. The Frenchman will start at right back.

Midfielders

Arsenal suffered a big blow with the hamstring injury sustained to captain Cesc Fabregas. The injury means Arsenal will lack a large part of their attack, however it enables Samir Nasri to resume a more central role having predominantly played on the wing.

The French playmaker has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, scoring eight goals in 17 appearances. However, too often fans have witnessed the 23-year-old drift in and out of games due to Wenger utilizing Nasri as more of a winger.

Defensive midfielder Alexandre Song was rested against Braga and is carrying a slight leg injury. However, the Cameroon international is expected to play against Aston Villa in the defensive midfield role. Samba star Denilson has performed poorly in Arsenal's successive defeats and is destined to return to the bench. Tomas Rosicky played 90 minutes on Tuesday night and is unlikely to feature in the starting XI.

Teenage sensation Jack Wilshere will maintain his spot from Tuesday night and will start as the left attacking midfielder with Samir Nasri the right.

Welsh starlet made his comeback from a horror leg break suffered in February. The 20-year-old played 45 minutes for the Arsenal reserves but is still a month away from first team action. Abou Diaby is still nursing a persistent ankle injury.

Forwards

Robin van Persie was rested against Braga in a bid to allow the Dutch maestro to regain full fitness ahead of the Villa encounter. The Dutchman has played eighty minutes since the start of the season but is in line to start as the left winger against Villa.

This comes as a huge boost for the Gunners as van Persie is one of the footballing world's most lethal attackers. However, fitness will undoubtedly be an issue. On the right wing Andrei Arshavin should return after missing the Braga match.

Nicklas Bendtner started midweek and performed poorly which should see Marouane Chamakh return as the lone striker.

Substitutes

With seven spots on Wenger's bench Wojciech Szczensy should win out for the deputy keeper role. Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs will be the back up defenders. Tomas Roiscky, Deilson, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott should be the back up attackers. Carlos Vela unfortunately misses out.

A loss in this game will condemn Arsenal to desperation whilst a victory will see confidence, hope and promise reinvested into the Arsenal squad.