Saka, Eze and Timber Return as Arsenal Gear Up for Villa Test
Alright, so here’s what’s happening ahead of Arsenal’s big Premier League trip to Villa Park, and there’s quite a bit to unpack. Mikel Arteta has freshened up his team with three significant changes, and they’re the kind fans love to see. Bukayo Saka, Ebere Eze and Jurrien Timber are all back in the starting lineup. These three were rested in the midweek win over Brentford, but they’re being brought straight back in for the Villa clash, giving the squad both energy and quality where it matters.
Their return means Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Cristhian Mosquera drop out. Mosquera’s absence isn’t tactical, though—he’s been ruled out after picking up an ankle injury during the Brentford match. With William Saliba still not fit enough to feature, Timber is set to partner in central defence again. It’s a big responsibility, but one he’s shown he can handle.
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There’s some positive news from the bench as well. Leandro Trossard is included after missing two matches with a knock, and fans will also notice a new young name—Marli Salmon. At just 16, the centre-back has been named in a first-team matchday squad for the first time after impressing on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. It’s a special moment for him, and a reminder of how Arteta keeps trusted pathways open for academy talent.
Declan Rice, who caused a bit of concern when he came off against Brentford, is fit and starting as usual. Martin Ødegaard and Ben White also keep their places. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus and Max Dowman haven’t travelled with the senior side today—they’re with the under-21s for a behind-closed-doors match against Manchester United as part of their push to regain match sharpness.
On the Villa side, Unai Emery is boosted by the return of Emiliano Martinez. The former Arsenal keeper missed their dramatic 4–3 win over Brighton due to a back issue suffered during the warm-up, but he’s back between the sticks today. Along with him, Youri Tielemans is being brought into the starting eleven, replacing Evann Guessand.
So we’ve got two teams coming in with very different kinds of momentum—Arsenal aiming to keep their rhythm after a professional midweek win, and Villa trying to ride the high of their thrilling victory. With big names returning on both sides, this matchup feels like it’s been set up perfectly for intensity, quality football, and a proper test of depth and resilience.
And with Arsenal’s lineup featuring the likes of Rice, Ødegaard, Saka, Eze and Merino all together, there’s a real sense that the team is shaping up exactly the way Arteta wants heading into this crucial part of the season.
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