Saturday’s early-kick off entails two of the Premier League’s most impressive outfits of the campaign, Aston Villa and Arsenal.
Where many teams are falling below expectations and the table still remains tightly nit, Villa and the Gunners are two sides whom have remained consistent for a sustained period of time; a game of this magnitude presents a good opportunity for either team to pull away from the chasing pack.
If Villa’s beginning to this campaign was anything to go by, their recent fortunes would’ve been a distant thought, however the work of Unai Emery to steady the ship hones in on the remarkable job he’s done; mirroring his entire tenure thus far at Villa Park.
Without a goal in their opening four Premier League games, a 2-0 defeat at Anfield are Villa’s only dropped points in their last nine outings, picking up maximums in all other eight, making them the form team over the last ten games.
Not to mention their incredible record at home; twenty one games unbeaten and seven victories in a row. Fortress Villa Park is in full flow.
This season’s pace-setters offers a stern obstacle, and for Emery, a clash against his former employers; a fixture of huge meaning for him and Villa as an opportunity to close the gap at the top to three points is on offer.
The visitors to Villa Park are Mikel Arteta and his formidable Arsenal side.
Top of the Premier League, top of the Champions League, Carabao Cup quarter-finalists. It’s been quite the campaign for the Gunners.
Arteta has instilled a spirit and style that no other side can seemingly get to grips with. One strong key in their armoury is their set-pieces.
A unique routine that is often executed perfectly, their goals from set plays are for all to see; a trait picked up by every team but one that remains challenging to defend.
Three times in a row Arsenal have finished runners-up in the Premier League: twice to Manchester City and last season to Liverpool, the gap from the rest is beginning to form, so consistency must remain.
A boisterous Villa Park, full to the raptures, often unforgiving for visiting sides if they are a yard short; Arsenal have tackled almost every hurdle threw at them to date, but a red hot Villa side poses a fresher test to their credentials. A positive result here would put the cats amongst the pigeons as they continue to be hunted.
Aston Villa
Ross Barkley was absent from Villa’s win over Brighton on Wednesday night, so he may be expected to be nursing his injury for this one too.
A known omission is Tyrone Mings, who’ll be sidelined for the Gunners’ visit.
Arsenal
The depleted Arsenal back-line may remain intact. Gabriel Magalhães is expecting a lengthy spell on the sidelines after his injury during the international break.
Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard will also remain sidelined for this one as they continue to recover from their setbacks.
Cristhian Mosquera was taken off during the game against Brentford, so the extent of his issue is unknown as of yet.
William Saliba has been ruled out for the last few fixtures but could well return in time for this one.
Predicted Line-Ups
Aston Villa: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, White, Hincapié, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Ødegaard, Merino; Saka, Eze, Martinelli.
Players to Watch
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Rogers is a perfect example of a risk and reward signing; a crucial part of Unai Emery’s side.
The England international has proven his fee and **Aston Villa**’s attack is much more slick and threatening when Rogers plays.
Goals, assists, a danger from set-pieces; there isn’t a part to his game he hasn’t embraced and improved. Arsenal will have to be aware of his threat and close down the spaces and channels that Rogers can find through the needle of an eye.
Eberichi Eze (Arsenal)
Time has proven to be on the new Gunners side; it’s clicked magnificently and any Arsenal ventures forward, expect Eze to be central to it.
Recently trailblazing an Arsenal record set for years, a North London derby hat-trick. This is exactly the type of threat he carries, and one Villa will have to be sharp to thwart.
Inspired business by Arteta, this test for Eze comes with amplitude against a valiant Villa spine, but one he won’t shy away from.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30PM GMT.
How can I watch?
The game will be televised on TNT Sports, with coverage starting from 11:00AM