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

Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Match preview, betting tips and predictions - Premier League matchweek 23

Bukayo Saka became just the second English teenager to score for Arsenal in consecutive Premier League appearances, 

after Ashley Cole in October 2000. (Photo credit: premierleague.com)

Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Villa Park
1:30pm

 

An injustice to one is an injustice to all, the FA’s failure to overturn David Luiz’s red card after Arsenal appeal will go down as an unjust act, especially after rescinding Jan Bednarek’s against United.

Arsenal travel to Villa Park in the early kick-off of Premier League matchweek 23 with a heavy heart but lots of points to prove after incidents of the last game left them ruing their harsh luck.

David Luiz was sent off for what was adjudged to be a professional foul on Willian Jose but replays show the Arsenal defender didn’t do any wrong.

It is okay to make mistakes but failing to admit it and then going on to justify the obvious error should never be allowed in football.

Aston Villa lost 3-1 at home to in-form West Ham but not without showing flashes of why they were at the top of the premier league at some points.

The likes of Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins have stood up several times to be counted but they have to find consistency. 

Aston Villa beat Arsenal at the Emirates in the reverse fixture and did in an emphatic fashion.

Arsenal were on the rise at the time after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It was a result that got all eyes on them but they have blown hot and cold ever since.

The Villa Park landlords do have two games in hand yet sit a spot and a point above their opponents on the day, they remain the confident side going into this fixture.

Arsenal once again were on the rise after stringing fine results together to move away from the drop zone they sank into before their win over Chelsea in December.

The loss against Wolves means they now must win this game against Aston Villa.

Arsenal dominated squarely in the first half against Wolves but a debatable referee decision against David Luiz at the tail end of the first half and then a rare Bernd Leno indiscretion ruined the Arsenal script and tilted the game in the home side’s favor.

Arsenal will be without David Luiz and Kieran Tierney who continues to heal from a calf problem, in his stead, Cedric Soares has deputized well and will be one hell of selection problem when the reliable Scotsman returns.

Villa will still be without long term absentees Wesley and Hause but have no new injury worries going into this. Dean Smith’s side will look to have a go at Arsenal like they did in the reverse fixture but the form of the Gunners suggests they can nick this.

In goal, Arsenal will have a huge decision to make considering the uncertainties around the summer signing, Alex Runnarson but there are hopes that Matt Ryan, who was signed on loan from Brighton could be available for selection.

Aston Villa has won the last two between these two but Arsenal won the last three before those, it would be a cracker that would set the tone for the weekend.

 

Verdict: Arsenal to win or draw