Arsenal v Aston Villa, Premier League Match Preview

It doesn’t seem like a match against one of the league’s leading strugglers would be a gut check for Arsenal, but given the events of the last week it certainly is. After sputtering out of the FA Cup and the emphatic way they were manhandled by Bayern, the Arsenal players may be looking forward to their match against Aston Villa.

With the 99.9% chance of another trophyless season looming, Arsenal only have the league to play for now. Not the title mind you, just their position in it. Places from3-6 are still very much a possibility for our boys. This weekend they can make significant progress to the uperside of that scale with a win against the visitors.

With Chelsea squaring off against Manchester City and Tottenham facing West Ham, Arsenal can make up ground on their hunt for a champion’s league spot by putting Aston Villa to the sword. But as we have see often this season nothing is easy for this group.

The reverse tie for Arsenal was a frustrating draw. Villa pressed and pressed Arsenal out of their passing lanes with the Gunners unable to find an answer to unlocking claret and blue.  It was a signature of how other teams would set up against Arsenal this season and utterly force them off their game. However, Villa haven’t done well of late against teams retaining the ball and applying lots of pressure – letting games get away from them late in the match.

With Arsenal looking to restablish itself and gain some confidence, I won’t be surprised to see Arsenal coming out flying and testing a defense that doesn’t handle crosses too well. Sure Arsenal aren’t the best of crossers to target men, but they can still get in from the wings and apply pressure. American keeper Guzan has been a mixed bag for Villa, but he has done well enough to unseat Shay Given.  Guzan is still finding his way int he Premier League and I suspect he may the next best American keeper to hold court in the Premier League but for now, its hit and miss. Arsenal need to take advantage of that.

If Arsenal can come out and dictate the game early and open it up the 3 points should be there for the taking. The best thing this side can do is get the crowd behind it immediately. The longer the match wears on without a goal, the more likely frustration will force the crowd to get edgy. Arsenal supporters have been class throughout, and while frustration has rung down after matches during the matches they’ve been absolutely stellar. The team needs that. They need that energy.

As good as this squad has been in the second half – league leaders by a mile if only the second 45 counted. – it needs to happen more in the first half. I was asked what the difference is – I can’t tell you.  I don’t know if they just wake up the realization that the game is nearly over. I don’t suspect it’s Wenger with a blow-dryer speech. It’s not his style. I’m not even sure its Bould, as Arsene probably wouldn’t let him. Whatever it is, second half Arsenal are a marked improvement over first half Arsenal.

How Match Should Play Out:
Arsenal are going to have to put the woes of this week quickly behind them. They will hopefully come out flying looking to put Aston Villa away early. With so much turmoil in both teams the one who gets the upper hand early will likely rule the day. Aston Villa will likely come in and press much like they did at home against us. They could go with five defenders and take away their width which would be advantageous to the Gunners. Some are calling this a draw because of Arsenal’s woes. Given how Arsenal have scored nearly 3 goals per game at home and Villa have only scored an average of 1 goal a game on the road – I don’t see it that way. Arsenal win.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Lukas Podolski. In my opinion our most clinical finisher. He can be frustrating at times but for the most part has been a solid effective signing for Arsenal.

Aston Villa. Christian Benteke. Could be auditioning for Arsenal. Been a good signing for Villa leading the way with scoring. Arsenal must prevent crosses from getting in to him.

Projected Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Gibbs (thigh), Sagna (knee)

Aston Villa: Albrighton(foot), Herd (foot), Dunne (groin), Petrov (illness), Gardner (knee)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 11

Aston Villa: Benteke 11

Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Podolski 9

Aston Villa:  Benteke 4

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 0

Aston Villa: 0

Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 2.5

Aston Villa (away): 1.1

Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 1.4

Aston Villa: (away): 2.4

Last Five:
Arsenal: WWDWL

Aston Villa: WDLDL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 21

Aston Villa: -25

Match Official:
Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches: 19. R1 Y74

Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer Plus 10:oo AM EST

UK: BBC Match of the Day One (Highlights)

YAMA Prediction:

Arsenal: 3

Aston Villa: 1