Premier League Preview: Aston Villa Vs Arsenal
Written By Jacobs Dunga
Aston Villa welcome Arsenal to Villa Park on Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff with the Villans eyeing a victory after their 1-2 setback at top four chasers West Ham United last week. The Steven Gerrard led side had won three consecutive games without conceding before last week’s loss to David Moyes’ side. Gerrard has revived the fortunes of the side since taking over the reins and they’re now sat comfortably in ninth place on the log. They might have won by a huge four goals against Southampton in their last home game but it is to be noted that the seven time English champions had gone four without a win at home before Saints’ visit.
Arsenal saw a five game winning run come to an end on Wednesday as title hopefuls Liverpool brought the Gunners back to earth. Mikel Arteta and his wards have rediscovered their form and are now in the driving seat to finish fourth and qualify to the Champions League for the first time since 2017. The Gunners eventually bowed to Liverpool on Wednesday having held of for most part of the game which was their first loss in six games. They go to Villa Park knowing that the last two visits have ended in defeats for them. The Gunners will however take confidence in the fact that they have won their last four games on the road.
TEAM NEWS
Lucas Digne is at risk of missing this encounter as he only played ten minutes of the West Ham tie before being taken off for muscle problem.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was left out of the Japan squad for their World Cup qualifiers and could possibly miss the game at Villa Park.
Douglas Luiz and Calum Chambers are doubtful after coming away from the West Ham game with facial injuries.
Emile Smith Rowe may well replace Gabriel Martinelli in the Arsenal line up on Saturday.
STYLE
Steven Gerrard has come with a definitive identity to Villa Park, his side is known for their pressing game with the duo of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings being supported by Philippe Coutinho in a 4-3-2-1 system. Matty Cash and Lucas Digne run down the flanks at Will with balance being maintained by the presence of Douglas Luiz in midfield.
Mikel Arteta has put his trust in the core of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy graduates and it has paid dividends so far for the Gunners who’re on course for their first Champions League qualification. His 4-2-3-1 set up which has the experienced Alexandre Lacazette leading the line and duly supported by the trio of Martin Odegaard, Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are well trusted to provide cover for the less inexperienced trio.
FORM
Aston Villa tasted their first defeat in four games last weekend against West Ham United but not without putting up a fight as Jacob Ramsey scored late on in the 1-2 defeat. That was also the first time their defence has been breached in four games. they scored a total of nine during those run of victories.
Arsenal are certainly one of the most in form sides in the league alongside the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United. The Gunners were on a five game winning streak before being stopped by Liverpool who ran out 2-0 winners at the Emirates on Wednesday. Trust the Gunners to immediately get back to winning ways but against a difficult side in a difficult stadium.
HEAD TO HEAD
Aston Villa since returning to the Premier League three seasons ago have won both of their home fixtures against the Gunners with both games ending in 1-0 victories.
Arsenal have failed to score in their last two visits to Villa Park with their last victory coming as far back as 2015.
The last 13 games between these two sides have ended in wins for either sides with the last stalemate dating back to 2012.
Arsenal’s 84 wins in previous encounters supersede Villa’s 69 wins with 45 games ending in draws.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Philippe Coutinho has brought a new spark to the Villa side and will be on hand to hurt Arsenal come Saturday
Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have been involved in more than ten goals each, a record number for any duo aged 21 and below in the league.
Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings are somewhat of a real threat to any defence they come up against in the league.
Alexandre Lacazette has found his form since the departure of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang with a more assured role in the team.
VERDICT
With both teams coming on the back of defeats in their last games, the fixture will most likely end in a draw for the first time since 2012.
1-1
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