Arsenal starting XI for Aston Villa with Bellerin and Flamini

Arsene Wenger must have been caught in at least two minds as he prepared his Arsenal team to face Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League today.

On the one hand, Wenger will have wanted to make the most of the abundance of attacking talent available to him, knowing that an away win and all three points would restore self belief to the players and go a long way to pacifying the growing anger and frustration among the Arsenal fans.

But on the other hand there is the worry that another poor performance in midfield and at the back would lead to another defeat and that would redouble the pressure and draw heavy criticism from all over the football world. So with this in mind, this is the team I think the under fire manager will select.

He will bring our only real DM back, as Mathieu Flamini adds energy and bite to our creative midfield. And with Ramsey next to him detailed to first of all make sure Villa do not over run the Gunners, with Jack Wilshere in the number 10 role running at the Villa defence, we should be able to control the game with our passing game and cause them problems.

I think he will keep Calum Chambers on the bench in case he is needed and start with Hector Bellerin on the right. The young Spaniard has got over his debut nerves and should add great speed and attacking threat to the right flank, with Alexis ahead of him to help with the defending when needed. Welbeck and Cazorla complete the front line with Ozil dropping to the bench.

Szczesny
Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs
Flamini
Alexis, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla
Welbeck

This is a balanced side that still has more than enough attacking talent to beat Aston Villa, as long as we play well. It should also be pretty solid and hopefully will come back to north London with the points. How do you like the line-up?