There can be no denying that it has been a difficult season so far for the Villans, particularly in front of goal, but their record at The Emirates should keep the Gunners on their toes. The boys from B6 were the first competitive visitors to The Emirates in 2006 and have since earned eleven points there, with only Chelsea and Manchester United faring better.
The Gunners’ record at home is impressive, however. They have lost just once at The Emirates since the opening day of last season and they will be the firm favourites to add to the their points tally against the goal-shy visitors, who have gone eight hours and forty-two minutes without scoring in the Premier League and have fewer goals than any other side.
Paul Lambert will be hoping that his new signings can end the drought and will be looking to the scorer of his team’s goal of the season, Carles Gil, to build on his impressive performances since signing for Aston Villa Football Club. He may even opt to start Scott Sinclair, who joined the club on loan earlier this week, in an attempt to get his team back on the goal trail. Christian Benteke has scored three times in four appearances against the London side and everyone of a claret and blue persuasion would be thrilled to see the big Belgian add to that tally tomorrow.
Santi Cazorla, who, according to Arsene Wenger, is in the “form of his life” and a rejuvenated Tomas Rosicky will be hoping to add to the visitors’ relegation concerns in the absence of the authoritative Alexis Sanchez.
Recent form:
Arsenal: W W W L W
Aston Villa: W L L W D
Team news:
Kozak has returned to light training but has work to do before he is available for selection.
Agbonlahor and Cole are both suffering from hamstring injuries but Agbonlahor is expected to be fit.
Delph has shaken off the Achilles problem that ruled him out of last weekend’s FA Cup match.
A training ground injury means Clark is also doubtful.
Senderos is still suffering from a calf-problem and will not be available tomorrow.
Vlaar is expected to be in the squad, as is new signing Sinclair.
Possible line-up:
Guzan
Cissokho Okore Baker Hutton
Delph Westwood Sanchez
Gil Weimann
Benteke
The opposition:
The in-form Gunners will be hoping to secure a third consecutive win for the first time this season tomorrow afternoon. Their confidence will be bolstered by the visitors’ place in the table, hovering above the drop zone, and by the possible return of Danny Welbeck, who has scored four times in his last three Premier League starts against Aston Villa.
The influential Alexis Sanchez is unlikely to be risked tomorrow due to a hamstring problem.
New signing Gabriel Paulista is in line for his first appearance.
Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) will not feature.
Match information:
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Venue: The Emirates Stadium
Kick-off: 1.30p.m.
Tickets: The away allocation is sold out
Last meeting: 20th September 2014 – Aston Villa 0 – Arsenal 3
Predictions:
2-0 – Mark Lawrenson
3-0 – Paul Merson
3-1 – AnneMc
