Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Match preview, betting tips and predictions

Spot on! Pierre Emerick Aubameyang converted from the spot to hand Arsenal a deserved victory at Old Trafford. (Photo credit: Premierleagu...

Spot on! Pierre Emerick Aubameyang converted from the spot to hand Arsenal a deserved victory at Old Trafford. (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Emirates
8:00pm

Arsenal can move up the ladder significantly with a win against Aston Villa on Sunday, with rivals playing each other, it would be an opportunity to build on the momentum of the Old Trafford win and gain grounds on real contenders.

Arsenal went to Old Trafford last weekend and returned with maximum points, thanks to a Pierre Emerick Aubameyang strike from the spot midway into the second half.

That was the first time an Arsenal player is converting from the spot at Old Trafford in decades with RVP and Gilberto missing on the last two attempts

Aston Villa’s honeymoon seems to be over, they were routed by Southampton on Sunday before Jack Grealish put up a show that helped them to three goals but still walked off the Villa Park Stadium empty handed.

Oliver Watkins converted from the spot and Jack Grealish scored late to make it 4-3 to the Saints, a result that means Villa have now lost back to back games having lost 3-0 to Leeds the previous weekend on a day Patrick Bamford hit a spectacular hatrick.

Arsenal were dominant on Thursday against Molde in the second tier of European tourney, running away with 4-1 and fielding fringe players, the system of aggressive pressing was deployed but it can be exploited on the counter.

Arsenal benefited from a United’s lackluster midfield performance last weekend but credits must go the ways of Mohammed Elneny and Thomas Partey who both bossed the midfield like the Devils were non-existent; building on such win will establish the gunners and earn them respect among real contenders.

Ross Barkley had a game to forget against Southampton, he has a point to prove here having scored the winner against Leicester couple of weeks ago, it is now down to pragmatism for Dean Smith and his lads.

Arsenal is expected to recall Rob Holding and Gabriel in defense, David Luiz is fit and will be able to dictate from the back if called on, the energetic midfield is expected to return as well and of course, a place for highly rated Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal beat Villa on this ground last season but it took a late rally after Maintland Niles was sent off and the visitors surged to a 2-1 lead before Aubameyang’s winner later on with a free kick.