Arsenal v Aston Villa: Kai Havertz starts again as Christos Tzolis named in attack

Kai Havertz will lead the Arsenal attack for the second consecutive match when they face Aston Villa in the third round of the Premier League.

The match will begin at 22:00 at Villa Park, with Arsenal naming the same attacking trio that started their opening-round fixture against Coventry City.

Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis will join Havertz in the front three, while Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been selected in midfield.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opted to retain David Raya in goal, with Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori forming the defensive line in front of him.

Arsenal’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Ødegaard

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis

Havertz therefore continues in the central attacking position for Arsenal’s second successive match, with Saka and Tzolis providing the support from either side.

The selected front three is the same combination that featured against Coventry City in the first round. Arsenal began their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory in that match.

Villa, meanwhile, come into the game after a difficult opening result against Brighton. They were beaten 4-0, leaving them looking to respond at home in front of their supporters.

The contrasting results give the fixture added importance as both sides prepare for the third round of the Premier League. Arsenal arrive at Villa Park having already secured a win, while Aston Villa will be seeking a stronger performance after conceding four goals in their previous match.

The venue for the meeting is Villa Park, where the two sides will contest the latest round of the competition. Arsenal’s selection confirms Havertz’s continued role at the head of the attack, while Tzolis has been included from the start alongside Saka.

With the line-ups now confirmed, Arsenal will begin the match with Raya behind a back four of White, Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes and Calafiori. Rice, Lewis-Skelly and Ødegaard will operate in midfield, with Saka, Havertz and Tzolis tasked with leading the attacking effort.

A second consecutive start for the same attacking trio gives Arsenal continuity in the final third after their 3-0 success against Coventry City. Aston Villa will attempt to put their 4-0 defeat by Brighton behind them when they host Arsenal at Villa Park.