Arsenal predicted XI vs Aston Villa: Mikel Arteta faced with crucial Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres decision

Arsenal resume their Premier League title defence at Villa Park on Monday night, with Mikel Arteta’s side looking to maintain their perfect competitive start to the season.

The champions have opened the campaign with consecutive 3-0 victories over Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry City in the Premier League, recording two clean sheets in the process.

Aston Villa will represent a different test. Unai Emery’s side were beaten 4-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and have endured a difficult summer, but Arsenal must negotiate Villa Park without injured defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.

Arteta does, however, have Ezri Konsa available following his £55m move from Villa, while Bruno Guimaraes has returned to training after a groin problem.

Arsenal predicted XI

David Raya should continue between the posts as he begins another campaign targeting the Premier League Golden Glove. The Spain international has helped Arsenal keep clean sheets against City and Coventry and will be aiming for a third in succession.

With Timber still sidelined, Ben White remains the leading option at right-back. He supplied an assist against Coventry and is expected to retain his place.

Konsa is available after a full week of training, but Cristhian Mosquera is expected to keep his starting berth. The Spaniard has begun both competitive matches alongside Gabriel and has helped Arsenal maintain their defensive solidity.

Gabriel has played every minute of Arsenal’s opening two matches and should continue at the heart of the defence.

Riccardo Calafiori’s attacking qualities give him the edge over Piero Hincapié for now. The Italian already has a goal and an assist this season.

Martin Odegaard has made an encouraging start, scoring against both Manchester City and Coventry. He remains central to Arteta’s attacking structure.

Bruno Guimaraes is in contention after returning to training, but Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned the opportunity to start for a third consecutive match. Zubimendi is another option, although the England international appears to have the momentum.

Declan Rice remains a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield and should continue alongside Lewis-Skelly. His ability to cover ground and provide defensive protection will be important against Villa’s attacking threat.

Arsenal are continuing to manage Bukayo Saka’s fitness, but the winger scored just 23 minutes after coming on against Coventry. He is expected to return to the starting XI, with Monday’s match set to be his 315th Arsenal appearance.

Kai Havertz has scored twice in two appearances this season and therefore has a strong case to retain the central striking role. Viktor Gyokeres could again begin on the bench.

Christos Tzolis has rapidly moved from summer recruit to established starter. The £34m arrival from Club Brugge registered two assists in the Community Shield and has continued to impress from the left, particularly with Martinelli’s future increasingly uncertain.

The major question is whether Arteta introduces Konsa immediately against his former club or maintains the defensive unit that has produced two successive clean sheets. Guimaraes’ fitness is another consideration, but the manager has several midfield options available.

With Arsenal already showing considerable attacking fluency, Arteta is likely to favour continuity at Villa Park while gradually managing the workload of his returning players.

Arsenal predicted lineup: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz.