Aston Villa Vs Arsenal: Arteta Snubs Runarsson, Gives Mat Ryan Debut

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to hand Mat Ryan his first appearance for the club on Saturday as the Gunners take on Aston Villa in the Premier League at Villa Park.

The Gunners boss stated earlier this week that he had not yet decided who would replace Bernd Leno in goal following his straight red card in their defeat to Wolves on Tuesday.

Arteta said that Ryan was facing a battle to return to full fitness in time, which suggested that Alex Runarsson would be making his seventh appearance for the club in all competitions.

However, Ryan, who joined the club on loan until the end of the season back in January, could get the nod following his return to availability.

According to Norwegian pundit Hjorvar Haflidason, Ryan will start ahead of Runarsson against Villa following the dismissal of Leno against Wolves.

He wrote: “Unfortunately, Maty Ryan starts tomorrow against Villa according to our man.”