England Premier League
Saturday 18th February 2023
Kick off at 12:30pm GMT
Venue: Villa Park
Match Preview:
The weekend kicks off as Aston Villa host Arsenal and there will be a reunion of sorts as former Arsenal manager Unai Emery is now of course at Villa. No matter where Emery has been he has it in his armour to haunt his former sides and has already done so with Arsenal in the Europa League where he was manager of Villareal.
Aston Villa have certainly improved under Emery so much so that they shouldn’t be involved in a relegation battle and they are in 11th place after 22 games played. However the Villains are going through perhaps a sticky patch and have lost their last two games after defeats against Leicester and Manchester City. The defeat against the champions wouldn’t have been of great concern and it was an away game but conceding 4 goals to Leicester who have struggled at times this season and losing that game at home would have been felt. Because of goal difference the club would not be able to move up position with a win but they could well join Chelsea on the same points.
Arsenal come into this weekend in 2nd place after they lost their crucial game over Manchester City in midweek. The Gunners lost 3-1 and it almost seems strange not to see Mikel Arteta’s side in 1st place anymore after being in that position for the majority of the season. One has to wonder if Arsenal’s season is unravelling as they have no wins now in their last 3 games and have won just 1 point from their last 9 available. After having lost just one game from August to February they have now lost two games alone in this month.
The good news is that even though they have been pushed into 2nd place it is only on goal difference as the clubs have 51 points each, but also Arsenal has a game in hand over City. On form Arsenal would be in 10th place but away from home the Gunners currently have the best record in the league and have won 8 times losing just twice. The clubs last away game did end in a 1-0 defeat against Everton though. Alongside Newcastle Arteta’s side has the best defensive record away from home with just 7 goals conceded.
Team News:
Aston Villa: Tyrone Mings will be assessed due to a knock but is being tipped to be fine. Diego Carlose remains sidelined long term due to his Achilles.
Arsenal: Thomas Partey has a muscle injury and will be assessed but it was enough for him to miss the last game. Emile Smith-Rowe could be assessed with his thigh injury but looks set to miss out again. Gabriel Jesus is still out with his knee but is back in training but is expected to miss this game, but could be back next week.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Head to Head:
Last season Arsenal won this fixture 1-0.
Arsenal have won the last 3 meetings in a row.
There is a 60% chance to see over 2.5 goals.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction:
Arsenal look unbalanced, if this were a moment in a boxing match then they would have been knocked down but certainly they are not out for the count. The Gunners had plenty of chances in their recent matches where they have dropped points and were very unlucky with VAR when they drew against Brentford, there are plenty of what ifs. Arsenal can create many chances but the fans may well worry for the next few away games, as the club try to stabilise themselves.
Aston Villa have less to worry about but Emery does not want to see a slump and lose here and it is 3 games in a row without a win. Arsenal will have to be at their best and shrug off this defeat against the champions, it is another test of their mental character and they used plenty of energy and emotion against City, all the while Aston Villa were able to rest and didn’t have to play and they will be at home here. Arsenal are the better side and we see them being extra fired up for this game and therefore likely winners, it could be a tough game for Villa despite the extra rest.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Betting Tips:
Full time result (Arsenal) at 1.82
Half Time: Correct Score: 1-0 to Arsenal at 3.75
Highest Scoring Half: 2nd half at 1.91
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