Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Premier League: Match Preview & Prediction

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta have been a cohesive unit full of defensive solidity and a wave of optimism is blowing across the Emirates. They now face giant-killers Aston Villa in a super Sunday clash in the Premier League.

Villa had a tremendous start to the 2020-21 season as they went on a 4-match unbeaten run, which had a mind-boggling 7-2 demolition of champions Liverpool. However, Dean Smith and his valiant men have been brought back to earth after two successive defeats.

Arsenal sits ninth in the PL table with the help of 4 wins. Their stocks are on the rise as they had their first away win against a PL big-six since 2015. Whereas, Villa sit one place above Arsenal with a game in hand.  

Recent form

Team News

Arteta wouldn’t want to change a thing from the side that beat Manchester United last time out. That would mean Mohamed Elneny once again partnering Thomas Partey in the midfield. 

For Dean Smith’s side, Emi Martinez returns to the Emirates after his summer move away. Trezeguet may start, but apart from this, there won’t be any changes.

Last time out

Trezeguet was on target as Villa beat Arsenal the last time these two sides faced each other. It was a crucial win for them as they moved out of the relegation zone with one match to go.

Key Battles

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Matt Cash

Aubameyang ended his barren goal-scoring run last weekend as he scored the winner at Old Trafford. The Arsenal captain is the biggest match-winner in their ranks and he now has the taste of goal again.

This would spell trouble for Cash and his fellow mates, who have been rather solid at the back. Cash must be aware of Aubameyang’s lurking presence and his sneaky runs.

Rob Holding vs Jack Grealish

Grealish is in the form of his life and is a constant threat down the left-wing. Since the start of 2019-20, no player has had more shots from the left of the box in the Premier League than the Villa captain.

Holding has formed a decent partnership with Gabriel and Luiz/ Tierney for the company. His sole task would be to not allow Grealish to wreak havoc as he has been doing all season, even against esteemed opposition.

Prediction

The Gunners have a tremendous record against Villa recently as they have won 7 of their last 8 home matches against them in all competitions. They have also managed to score at least 3 goals in their last 4 home matches against them in all competitions.

Arsenal also have the better form going on with three victories on the trot, whereas Villa have had two successive defeats. However, they did come to life in the latter stages in their defeat against Southampton.