The seasoned Scot has played mostly as a No. 10 or narrow winger for Arsenal during 2023–24, but Unai Emery will almost definitely need McGinn to take on a more central role.
Douglas Luiz, the dependable Brazilian, and Boubacar Kamara, the first-choice central midfielder, will be absent for Villa’s remaining games due to knee injuries.
The elegant pair set the stage for an incredible season debut that might yet see the team surprise everyone by finishing in the top four.
The 29-year-old McGinn, a mainstay in their midfield for five straight top-flight seasons, needs to use all of his skill to make sure they are not outmatched along the spine of the opposition if they want to compete in north London.
For Villa, McGinn has grown into a highly potent all-around midfield player.
The Scotland international will be an important player on Sunday because he is a physically strong, aggressive, tactically astute, and creative finisher who can impact games.
McGinn tends to gravitate towards centre regions wherever he is deployed, as this season’s pass zone map illustrates.
For Villa, McGinn has grown into a highly potent all-around midfield player.
The Scotland international will be an important player on Sunday because he is a physically strong, aggressive, tactically astute, and creative finisher who can impact games.
McGinn tends to gravitate towards centre regions wherever he is deployed, as this season’s pass zone map illustrates.
