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The late game on Saturday afternoon comes from Villa Park as the in-form hosts will be taking on yet another title contender in Arsenal. This game kicks off at 5:30pm.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s unbelievable home record remained in-tact on Wednesday night as Unai Emery’s side eased past Manchester City. Although the 1-0 scoreline suggests a tight, cagey contest took place, it was far from the truth. City failed to register an effort on goal in the second half and it is the first time in Pep’s 535 matches in charge that his side have failed to have more than two shots in a game.
Match has ended
Despite their dominance at this venue, this was just Villa’s second clean sheet of the season in front of their own fans. Emery got his tactics spot on and his players were clearly motivated enough to collect maximum points.
The Villa boss will be determined to get on over on his former employers and he’ll also be aiming to preserve his side’s 13-match winning home sequence.
It appears as though Villa have managed to remain injury-free and with the exception of long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia, they should have a fully-fit squad to pick from.
The return of Boubacar Kamara to the Villa XI made a significant difference and they were able to exert control in the centre of the park. Leon Bailey had his best game in a Villa shirt and has surely done enough to keep his place in the line-up.
Arsenal
Arsenal were involved in a hugely entertaining contest on Tuesday night and will be looking to benefit from an extra day’s rest here. Mikel Arteta’s side are brilliantly efficient this season and they are winning tough games by slender margins.
The Gunners have won four in a row and taken maximum points in five of their last six. Nevertheless, they are yet to win away at any side inside the top half. They were defeated 1-0 at St. James’ Park last month and have also dropped points at Stamford Bridge on their travels.
Arteta has a significant decision to make ahead of this weekend’s clash having watched David Raya make multiple howlers against Luton. There have been calls from fans to reinstate Aaron Ramsdale into the XI. Arteta made just a single change to his side in midweek and with the games coming thick and fast, he may opt to freshen things up here.
Arsenal are the current leaders of the Premier League, however, they may have been dethroned by Liverpool who will be taking part in the lunchtime KO.
Head to Head
Last season’s clash at Villa Park was a hugely entertaining affair with Arsenal emerging as 4-2 victors. Villa were leading at the break before the visitors came roaring back with goals from Zinchenko and Martinelli.
Arsenal have dominated this meeting in recent years and will be aiming to chalk up a fifth consecutive victory in this match-up.
Villa’s last success against Arsenal came in 2021where an early Ollie Watkins strike was enough to secure all three points.
At Villa Park, Arsenal have come out on top in five of their last seven visits. You’d have to go back to 2012 to find the last draw between the pair at this venue.
Key Betting Stat
- Arsenal have kept just a single clean sheet in their last four away trips
- Arsenal have had more corners than the opposition in six of their seven away games this season
- All three of Kai Havertz’s goals have come away from the Emirates this season
- Villa have scored 3+ goals in six of their seven home games this season
- All five of Douglas Luiz’s goals have been scored at Villa Park this season
- Villa have scored 48% of their goals in the final 30 minutes of games
Match Prediction
As good as Arsenal have been this season, it’s difficult to look beyond home specialists Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s motivation to pick up three points is likely to be at an all-time high and they should have enough to keep the winning sequence going.
Winning Combo
Villa Win
23/10 with Bet365
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