By Graham Ruthven
Momentum builder
Wednesday’s win over Tottenham Hotspur should be a catalyst for Arsenal to construct momentum once more. The Gunners can’t enable the four-point hole between themselves and Liverpool to develop any additional in any other case the title race might be over sooner reasonably than later.
Some imagine Liverpool have already got the title wrapped up. Nevertheless, Arne Slot’s aspect face a tough take a look at away to Brentford on Saturday, which means Arsenal may need the chance to use stress on the table-toppers by the point they face Aston Villa a couple of hours later.
Villa enter Saturday’s match on the Emirates Stadium on the again of a three-game successful run. Unai Emery’s crew have recovered from a troublesome interval which noticed them go eight matches with out a win in November to as soon as once more climb the Premier League desk.
Final season, Aston Villa claimed all three factors away to Arsenal in a match that each one however ended the Gunners hopes of successful the Premier League. It is likely to be a lot earlier within the marketing campaign this time, however Arsenal’s title likelihood is as soon as once more on the road.
Key gamers
Saturday’s match in North London might be determined in midfield the place each groups will set as much as have management. Arsenal can have Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Martin Ødegaard whereas Aston Villa boast Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemens. The midfield battle can be value watching.
Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba’s partnership in central defence is incessantly the inspiration from which Arsenal construct on. The previous additionally poses a aim menace, as he demonstrated by forcing a aim from a nook kick towards Spurs.
In assault, Arsenal are presently depleted via plenty of accidents to key gamers. Kai Havertz is anticipated to start out up entrance regardless of dealing with criticism for his ending in latest defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Morgan Rogers can be a menace for Villa having registered 5 aim contributions in his final 5 video games whereas Ollie Watkins has rediscovered his scoring contact just lately, netting twice in 4 outings.
Donyell Malen – named as a FotMob Switch of the Week – might make his Premier League debut after becoming a member of Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, though the Dutchman is almost definitely to start out on the bench.
Workforce information
Arsenal’s harm troubles have worsened just lately with Gabriel Jesus becoming a member of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the sidelines after coming off towards Manchester United within the FA Cup final weekend.
Riccardo Calafiori hasn’t performed since early January as a consequence of a muscle harm, however might function towards Aston Villa. Myles Lewis-Skelley is, nevertheless, anticipated to maintain his place at left again with Jurrien Timber on the correct aspect of the defence.
John McGinn and Ross Barkley will each miss out via harm with Diego Carlos and Pau Torres additionally presently sidelined. In any other case, Emery has a full squad to select from for the journey to North London.
Prediction
This might be a cagy affair the place each side cancel one another out – Villa are in type however the Gunners don’t draw a clean that usually, so we’ll go along with a 1-1 draw.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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