Arsenal are looking for an upturn of fortunes when they take on Aston Villa on Saturday. The Gunners had their seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League halted by a 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the last game. However, they will be determined to get back on track, knowing a victory this weekend will help them move ahead of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the league table.
On the other hand, Aston Villa are leading their weekend opponent by just one point, but they do have two games in hand. They are currently ninth in the league table, though a triumph over Arsenal could see them overtake Tottenham Hotspur and get within touching distance of Everton and Chelsea. It could be imperative for Dean Smith’s men as they look to mount a challenge for European football places.
Aston Villa Vs Arsenal: A Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Aston Villa
Dean Smith has no reason to shift away from his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 setup as the Villans look to take full advantage of the depleted Arsenal backline. It could be difficult for the hosts to get the better of their opponents with crosses, so counter-attacks should remain the primary option. They may also dominate possession, in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Arsenal
Arsenal have appeared quite strong when defending sturdy centre forwards but could face a challenging task keeping check on Ollie Watkins. Also, Mikel Arteta should persist with the traditional 4-2-3-1, with the playmaker providing the movements that could be essential in giving more freedom to other attackers.
Team News
Aston Villa
The absence of Kortney Hause should see Aston Villa shallow on defensive reinforcements, although Smith doesn’t have any other major injury-related absentees heading into this game. We are unlikely to see any particular changes to the starting eleven that featured in the recent win over West Ham United in midweek.
Predicted Lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz; Traore, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins
Arsenal
Arsenal are missing Kieran Tierney due to yet another unfortunate injury, while both David Luiz and Bernd Leno are suspended after picking straight reds in defeat to Wolves. It could force Arteta to make a few personnel changes, with Runar Alex Runarsson, in particular, starting in goal. It will be interesting to see how he performs in between the sticks, especially with Emiliano Martinez starting on the opposite end.
Predicted Lineup: Runarsson; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Cedric; Partey, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Saka; Lacazette
Key Men
Aston Villa
Jack Grealish is currently one of the most in-form players in the Premier League, having become the creator-in-chief for the high flying Villans. His ability to run at defenders could cause a series of problems for Hector Bellerin on the flanks, while the English international is also capable of finding attackers with his through balls and crosses. He is the danger man for Arsenal.
Arsenal
As for the Gunners themselves, they will be relying on the services of Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian has shown a lot of promising signs in recent weeks, notably scoring an excellent goal against Wolves. His pace and trickery on the flanks could be useful for the visitors as they aim to get back to winning ways this weekend.
