Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Date: 06/02/2021
K/O: 12:30
Venue: Villa Park
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
TV: BT Sport
Aston Villa host Arsenal as both sides look to return to winning ways.
Both sides lost their midweeks games which will give them the extra incentive to gain three points this weekend. Last time out, Villa were 3-0 victors in an impressive display at the Emirates. However, with both sides suffering their own issues, this fixture will most likely be less straightforward to call.
The Claret and Blues head into their tie against Arsenal with some key problems. A loss against fellow European contenders West Ham led many to believe Villa’s inconsistent form puts them as a mid-table side, rather than one pushing for Europe. Despite the fact that the West Ham game was arguably Villa’s worst performance this season, Dean Smith needs to start picking up more consistent results and performances from his Villa side if they are to realise their European dreams.
Looking ahead to the Arsenal game, we should expect changes following a poor performance against West Ham. John McGinn was a shadow of his usual self, leading many to believe Morga Sanson will be given the opportunity to introduce himself to the Villa faithful. An introduction of fresh legs and fresh ideas may give Villa a boost against Arsenal’s pressing midfield, a tactic they have struggled to conquer continually throughout the season. However, if Dean Smith refuses to change his starting XI, Arsenal will not make it easy.
Villa’s main weakness for a little while now has been their fatigue levels. Having stated earlier in the season that he “doesn’t believe in fatigue”, Dean Smith has been found out continually in recent weeks, with his unchanged Villa side looking out on their feet after 60 minutes. Even with a limited squad depth, bench players such as Anwar El Ghazi, Trezeguet and Marvelous Nakamba have all impressed this season, leading many to wonder why Smith rarely changes his starting XI. The addition of Morgan Sanson from Olympique Marseille adds depth in quality in the midfield, and Villa must use their squad players to freshen up a stale looking side.
Mikel Arteta comes into Saturday’s clash with problems of his own. Arteta’s issues lie with his transfer activity, rather than his managerial decisions. A disastrous defeat to an out of form Wolves side left Arsenal in 10th after the midweek games, one point behind and two games ahead of their opponents this weekend. Two red cards given to David Luiz and Bernd Leno leave Arsenal’s defence a major issue heading into the Villa game, with it looking ever more likely that Arteta will have to start fringe players at Villa Park.
Arteta’s decision to sign a backup goalkeeper who was not immediately available has come back to bite him, as new signing Mat Ryan is more than likely going to miss the Villa tie through injury. This means Alex Runarsson, third-choice goalkeeper will have to play behind a backline that lost Shkodran Mustafi through transfer and David Luiz through suspension this week. To add insult to injury, Arsenal’s former number two Emi Martinez, who played so well for them last season, will line up for their opponents as he chases the Golden Glove. The Argentinian has shone since leaving north London, averaging a clean sheet in every two games.
As for Arteta’s Arsenal this weekend, a makeshift backline will need to be supported by a firing attack. Nicolas Pepe has impressed in recent games and should start, however, the return to fitness of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang may give Arteta questions to answer as he picks his starting XI. A resurgence in form for Alexandre Lacazette can cause Villa issues, as we have seen their defence can be beaten in recent weeks.
Team News
Aston Villa
Dean Smith is expected to make changes, with Morgan Sanson, Trezeguet and Jacob Ramsey all in contention to start. John McGinn and Ross Barkley will most likely be dropped following inconsistent performances in recent weeks.
Arsenal:
Bernd Leno and David Luiz are suspended for the Villa tie. Mat Ryan will most likely be unavailable, suggesting Alex Runarsson will start. Piere Emerick Aubameyang could start following a return to fitness.
Predicted Starting XIs
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, Sanson; Ramsey, Grealish, Watkins; El Ghazi
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Runarsson; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Cederic; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Ødegaard, Pepe; Aubameyang
Predicted Score: Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
Arsenal’s makeshift backline will cause them issues; Villa will be looking to turn around a series of poor performances with a decisive win at home. Villa to take the win here.
