Arsenal return to Premier League action against Aston Villa, following their midweek draw with Bayern Munich.
With their title rivals playing before them, it is likely they will find themselves third ahead of kick off, but can return to the summit with a win.
Injury News - Arsenal
Gabriel was an absentee from training following the midweek Champions League tie but is expected to be fit and available this weekend.
Jurrien Timber remains out with Mikel Arteta stating: "Still he’s got a few steps to make. He needs to play at least a game with the 23s. We’re going to have an in house game too soon. He’s done everything in training now it’s about getting him match fit, having people around him and competing in a football match which is different to training. From what we’ve seen in training and the time that he was fit, he’s going to have a big, big impact in the team."
Injury News - Aston Villa
Boubacar Kanara, Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Jacob Ramsey are all ruled out with injury, while Douglas Luiz is suspended having collected his tenth yellow card last weekend.
Clement Lenglet and Matty Cash are both likely to returned following but will face a late fitness test.
Form
The Gunners are flying in the league and have won ten of their last 11 games since the the turn of the year. They drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the Champions League.
Aston Villa have won just one of their last five league games and drew 3-3 with Brentford last Saturday. They won 2-1 against Lille on Thursday night in the Europa Conference League and fielded a full strength side.
Recent History
Arsenal have played Aston Villa 202 times in their history and have won 87, drawn 45 and lost 70 times.
They lost at Villa Park in their last encounter back in December, thanks to a goal by John McGinn. Arsenal won the corresponding fixture at The Emirates last season 2-1.
Played For Both
Current players Callum Chambers and Emi Martinez both left Arsenal to join Aston Villa in recent years.
Paul Merson and Robert Pires have also played for both clubs, while David Platt, Martin Keown and Kevin Richardson also had stints at Arsenal and Villa.
Prediction
Arsenal may well have one eye on their Champions League second leg and it remains to be seen whether Arteta rotates his squad. However, he will know that despite their recent dip in form, Aston Villa are a dangerous side who can cause Arsenal problems.
The Gunners produced some uncharacteristic defending in midweek and will be looking to return to their usual work on Sunday.
It won't be an easy game, but the absence of Douglas Luiz could be pivotal.
Arsenal 2-0 Aston Villa
Comments
Post a Comment