Aston Villa – Arsenal : Preview & Prediction
Aston Villa will feel that the progress it made at the start of the year, with four consecutive unbeaten games (G3, E1) in the Premier League (PL), has been squandered recently, after suffering back-to-back defeats to Leicester City (4-2) and league leaders Manchester City (3-1). While those high-scoring encounters may have been exciting to watch, continuing the trend of keeping just two clean sheets in their last 12 games will make it difficult for 11th-placed Villa to break into the top half of the standings.
Villa Park has seen first-hand those poor defensive performances, with the “Villans” winning just once at home after the World Cup break (E1, P3). Therefore, coach Unai Emery will be hoping to use his knowledge of his former Arsenal team when he comes to town, something that is much needed considering Villa have lost each of their last three meetings against each other.
This will be Arsenal’s first meeting with a former manager since beating Tottenham 2-0 under George Graham in March 2001, but that will be the furthest thing from current manager Mike Arteta’s mind. His team has learned that the margin for error at the top of the table is very small, with their 3-1 loss to fellow title contenders Manchester City in midweek cutting their lead to eight points and stretching their run to four games without a win (E1, P3).
Now sitting in second place due to goal difference, the “Gunners” still have a game in hand, although that may prove futile if their already horrendous week worsens with another defeat here. At least they can find solace in having won four of their last six visits to Villa Park (P2), helping make it their second PL ground with the most away wins with 13 triumphs after their 14 successes at West Ham.
Players to watch: Villa’s Leon Bailey has scored 15 of his last 17 goals for the club at home, while Arsenal will be hoping for some Gabriel Martinelli magic here after winning each of the last 14 games the Brazilian has found the net.
Weekend stat: Aston Villa have seen 17 goals scored in the first 15 minutes of their league games this season, the most in the division.
Aston Villa – Arsenal : Betting Tips
Arsenal – Win Odds: 2.25
