Aston Villa vs. Arsenal 10:00 am, Villa Park
Possible Lineups:
Aston Villa – Guzan, Hutton, Senderos, Baker, Cissokho, Westwood, Delph, Cleverly, Wieman, Agbonglahor, N’Zogbia
Arsenal – Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Carzola, Ramsey, Ozil, Poldolski, Wilshere, Welbeck
Preview:
The Villains look to keep their great start rolling as they play host to the Gunners. The victory at Anfield last week was a great result. There is an atmosphere of positivity around Villa park as they are off to their best start in years. Plus the recent contract extensions of both manager Paul Lambert and previously exiled Alan Hutton only add to the belief. Confidence goes along way in football and Villa are full of it at the moment.
The Gunners are coming off a difficult stretch of games. They look very good against City last weekend earning a deserved point. During the week, a visit to Dortmund proved a big test as Arsenal left Germany with a two-nil defeat. They will look to get things back on track against Villa. This test at Villa Park will surely test their mental strength. Aston Villa are a physical team that is difficult to break down. Danny Welbeck will be a huge factor in the game; he needs to find his scoring boots for Arsenal.
Overall this game is huge for both teams. Aston Villa is looking to keep the momentum rolling and continue their hot start. Look for Villa to frustrate the Gunners and not let them play their champagne football. It is all down to which midfield can dictate the play; if Arsenal are allowed to pass the ball at will or if the Villains are able to disrupt the passing game. Whoever wins this battle should get the result they are looking for. Anything less than a victory by the Gunners will be a disappointment, while a draw wouldn’t hurt the confidence of Villa.
Prediction- Aston Villa 1 – Arsenal 1
