ARSENAL are set to hand third choice keeper Alex Runarsson a first Premier League start against Aston Villa this weekend.
The 25-year-old Icelandic international deputised for Bernd Leno in the Gunners’ defeat to Wolves earlier this week after the German was sent off for handling outside his area.
Runarsson is likely to line up in the Gunners XI for the first time in the Premier League
And with back-up shot-stopper Mat Ryan facing a race to be fit for the weekend, Runarsson could well start for the North London side.
Speaking about the keeper situation ahead of the Villa game, Arteta said: “He has not been available to train yet [Ryan], and Alex is available, so we will have the choice between the two of them for the weekend.
“If Mat is able to train, and they are both fit, we will have a decision to make.
“If Mat is not fit, obviously Alex will be in goal.”
The other major talking point with regards to Arsenal’s starting line-up is who will fill the void of David Luiz.
The Brazilian was also sent-off in their 2-1 loss to Wolves and failed to have his red card rescinded after appeal.
But we expect Gabriel and Calum Chambers to step in as the centre-half pairing at the weekend.
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New loan signing Odegaard will be competing for a place in the starting line-up against Villa
New loan signing Martin Odegaard will also be battling for a first start and could take the place of Emile Smith Rowe in the attacking quartet.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also hoping to be fit to start for Arsenal, but if he does not then Nicolas Pepe will be hoping to build on his goal against Wolves.
Arsenal are looking to bounce back from their loss in midweek as they bid to move above Villa and North London rivals Tottenham into eight place with a victory.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa would also go eighth with a win as they also seek to recover from a disappointing 3-1 loss to West Ham.
The match will feature as the first in another action-packed weekend of Premier League football, with kick-off at 12:30pm.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
