ARSENAL welcome Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa as they look to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners went toe-to-toe with German champions Bayern Munich on Tuesday, and the return leg could be on their minds as Villa visit The Emirates.
Arsenal need to win in Germany after drawing 2-2 but their clash with Villa is arguably even more important, as they cannot afford to drop points in a thrilling title race.
Rivals Manchester City and Liverpool face easier opposition in Luton and Crystal Palace, though Arsenal’s confidence is sky-high after losing just one of their last 15 matches.
Mikel Arteta’s side have picked up 31 points from a possible 33 and a number of stars are beginning to hit top form, like Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.
However it was Villa who came out on top in their previous meeting this season, with John McGinn scoring the only goal of the game in the seventh minute.
Unai Emery got the better of his previous side on that occasion and will be looking to provide a sting in the tail again as Villa chase Champions League qualification.
Team news
Arsenal came through the Bayern clash unscathed with Gabriel Jesus getting more minutes under his belt after his recent injury absence.
Jurrien Timber remains a long-term absentee but Arteta will otherwise have plenty of options to keep things fresh and give some stars a much-needed rest.
Meanwhile Villa will face a nervous wait over the fitness over Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Matty Cash.
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Aston Villa take on Lille in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, and Emery’s selection could give an indication as to whether the above trio will be available for selection in North London.
One player who will definitely be absent is Douglas Luiz, who is serving a two-match suspension.
Recent form
Arsenal have not put a foot wrong in the Premier League since their New Year’s Eve defeat to Fulham.
In the 11 Prem games since they have beaten Liverpool, drawn with City and thrashed the likes of West Ham, Burnley and Sheffield United.
More recently they brushed aside Brighton in a commanding 3-0 victory, and they have conceded the fewest shots on goal in the league since the turn of the year.
Aston Villa have been much more erratic in recent weeks and threw away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Brentford last weekend.
They have won just one of their last five league games and suffered heavy defeats in that time against City and Tottenham.
Star men
If Watkins passes fit to play his battle with William Saliba could decide this encounter.
The England star has scored 18 goals and provided ten assists in the Prem this season, returning to form with a double against Brentford.
He will look to stretch the Arsenal backline and create space for the likes of Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby on the flanks, who should prove dangerous on the counter-attack.
However if there is one man who can stop Watkins it is Saliba.
The Frenchman conceded a penalty against Bayern but he has otherwise been faultless in recent weeks.
He is as assured in possession as he is dealing with attackers one-on-one, and the Gunners’ brilliant defensive record is in no small part down to him.
SunSport prediction
Villa at their best are a very tricky customer but they have not been their usual selves in recent weeks while the Gunners have run rampant. 2-0 to the Arsenal.
When is Arsenal vs Aston Villa?
- Arsenal’s big clash with Aston Villa will take place on Sunday, April 14.
- The match will kick off at 4.30pm BST.
- Emirates Stadium will play host to the game.
What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Arsenal vs Aston Villa will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK.
- You can live stream the action on the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
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Odds
- Arsenal – 2/7
- Draw – 9/2
- Aston Villa – 10/1
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
