Would you start Madueke over Saka against Aston Villa?

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·5 December 2025

Would you start Madueke over Saka against Aston Villa?

Noni Madueke has returned from injury and started for Arsenal against Brentford in midweek. With Mikel Arteta opting to rest Bukayo Saka for the fixture, Madueke impressed, giving his manager a selection dilemma ahead of the new Premier League weekend. The victory demonstrated that he can be trusted to step in and perform at a high level, adding further depth to the Gunners’ squad.

Arsenal Face a Tough Test at Villa Park

Arsenal now face an even sterner examination when they travel to Aston Villa this weekend. Playing at Villa Park is widely regarded as one of the most challenging away fixtures in the Premier League, and Arteta is already working diligently to prepare his team for the task ahead. The positive performance against Brentford suggests that Madueke could play a key role once again, but questions remain over whether he should start at the expense of Saka, who has been a consistent figure in the side.

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The decision is a delicate one, as it involves balancing squad fitness, player form, and long-term strategy. Madueke’s return is welcome news, providing additional options in attack and increasing competition within the squad. His performance against Brentford will have boosted his confidence and demonstrated his ability to contribute immediately, yet Arteta must carefully manage his workload to ensure he maintains peak condition.

Debate Over Starting XI

Jeremie Aliadiere has weighed in on the matter, expressing a preference for Saka in the starting lineup. As quoted by Metro Sport, he said, “That’s a tough one. I personally would start Saka. As much as Madueke has done really well, he’s been out for a while (with a knee injury) so you don’t want to put too much on him straight away.”

Aliadiere’s comments highlight the dilemma faced by Arteta, who must decide whether to prioritise experience and continuity or to reward Madueke’s recent form. The decision will be critical, as Arsenal look to maintain their momentum and continue their strong run of performances in the league.

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