Former Premier League forward Chris Sutton has made his score prediction ahead of Arsenal vs Aston Villa.
The Gunners will be feeling nervous ahead of their Tuesday night clash against Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s side were able to get the better of Arsenal last time they met in early December. However, Arsenal are at home this time, and they are coming off the back of a win against Brighton.
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Mikel Arteta will hope his side can get their revenge on Villa, who are just three points behind them, as Emery’s side are outside title contenders against the Gunners and Man City.
Heading into the game, Arsenal were handed a huge boost, as defender Gabriel has returned from injury, which could help the Gunners against the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and more on Tuesday night.
Sutton predicts narrow Arsenal win
Ahead of the game, Chris Sutton made his weekly Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, and suggested he thinks Arsenal will win the game 2-1, despite the fact they lost to Villa last time out away from home.
Sutton said: “I love what Villa are doing. You just keep thinking their winning run can’t continue, which is why I had Chelsea down to beat them – and, again, I was wrong about that.
“I just have a feeling Arsenal will find a way to win this. I am expecting the Gunners to find another gear or two very soon, but this might be more of a battle for them, that they have to get through.
“There will be some nervy moments for Mikel Arteta’s side again, that’s for sure, but I reckon they will hang on for the win, just about.”
Defender duo could return against Villa
A further boost for Arsenal is that defenders Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are both potentially in line to return from injury against Aston Villa, despite initial reports suggesting they would miss the game.
Arteta was forced to leave both defenders out against Brighton, but they could return this week, meaning that the Arsenal boss could finally have his back four up to full-strength again with Gabriel and Saliba in the middle, Calafiori on the left, and Timber on the right.
Click here to see Arsenal’s latest transfer news heading into January.