Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith has told GoonerNews his prediction for the Gunners’ game against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta will be pleased as his side managed to get through a tough test against Brighton in their last match. Arsenal won 2-1 in what was a narrow win, helping them to keep their place at the top of the Premier League table.
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The Gunners are two points clear of Manchester City in second, who are on an eight game winning streak in the league. Furthermore, Aston Villa are just one point behind Man City, so they could also provide some competition for the title.
Somewhat ironically, Arsenal face Aston Villa in their next match, in what could be a huge clash at the Emirates. Villa beat the Gunners last time out in early December, and so Arteta will hope his side can get their revenge this week at home.
Alan Smith predicts 2-1 Arsenal win
As we look ahead to the next game against Villa, GoonerNews exclusively spoke to former Arsenal forward Alan Smith via BestBettingSites.co.uk, and we asked him for his score prediction for the game on Tuesday.
Smith said he thinks it will be a 2-1 Gunners win in a tight battle at the Emirates. He told us: “It seems like Unai Emery has had a bit of an advantage, not in the Indian sign, but tactically.
“But I think with Arsenal, they have got the players that can change the shape of their team and their attacks. So you would expect them to be able to do that and for it not to be a problem. A bit of revenge in the air for Arsenal after getting beaten at Villa Park.
“So it’d be a good game, but I’m just thinking Arsenal might shade it. I think 2-1 to Arsenal.”
The Gunners are narrow favourites against Villa
Heading into the game, Arsenal have the home advantage, and they also have the points advantage in the league table, but Villa have the form. It is expected to be a very tough test for Arsenal, but the bookmakers, like Smith, think Arsenal will win.
According to Oddschecker, the Gunners are backed at odds of 8/15 to win the game on Tuesday, which gives them a 65.2% chance of victory.
Aston Villa are backed at odds of 13/2 to do the double over the Gunners, which gives a probability of 13.3%. A draw is backed at 7/2 (22.2%) too.
Click here to see Arsenal’s latest injury news and expected return dates heading into the game.