Arsenal -vs- Aston Villa

Want-away defender Ashley Cole will not be included in Arsenal's squad for the Barclays Premiership opener against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Manager Arsene Wenger has decided against including the left-back, despite Cole making himself available amid the ongoing transfer saga with Chelsea.

Winger Jose Antonio Reyes has been unsettled by speculation linking him to Real Madrid, but is unfit with a groin problem on Saturday. Summer signing Tomas Rosicky (groin) also misses out, but midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has been rushed back from an ankle problem.

Captain Thierry Henry should return to the side after being rested following his World Cup exploits with France, having played in midweek for Les Bleus. Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was suspended for the European tie, and is expected to feature despite needing treatment for hypoglycaemia while on international duty this week.

Gael Clichy (foot), Philippe Senderos (shoulder), Abou Diaby (ankle) and Lauren (knee) all remain out.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill's first Premiership game in charge of the club sees him without three key players.

O'Neill is without Milan Baros (foot), Wilfred Bouma (hamstring) and Gary Cahill (knee).

Steven Davis travels, but will undergo a fitness test on a thigh injury.

Teams:

Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Flamini, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Fabregas, Gilberto, Van Persie , Adebayor, Henry, Almunia, Hoyte, Hleb, Aliadiere, Cygan, Traore, Song, Ljungberg.

Aston Villa (from): Sorensen, Taylor, Barry, de la Cruz, Delaney, Hughes, Laursen, Mellberg, Ridgwell, Samuel, Berger, Davis, Hendrie, McCann, Whittingham, Angel, Moore, Phillips, Agbonlahor.