Aston Villa FC vs Arsenal FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Aston Villa FC vs Arsenal FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Aston Villa and Arsenal are both aiming to recover from defeat in their last outing, ending solid runs of form for both sides.

Villa, who still have those two games in hand, sit a point and a place higher up the table than their opponents, but have now lost three of their last five fixtures in the league following a disappointing 3-1 loss to West Ham.

While those two games in hand would have previously taken them well into the top four, wins will now only get them as high as 6th. 

Similarly, Arsenal have stumbled just as it appeared their season was about to get going. Securing a draw at Old Trafford was seen as a step in the right direction, though lost their heads as two players were sent off in the following 2-1 defeat to Wolves.

Who can best respond here?

TEAMS PREVIEW

Aston Villa FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LWLWL

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Ollie Watkins looked a real handful in defeat to West Ham

     Beat Arsenal 3-0 in reverse fixture

Reasons to be fearful:

     Lost four of last six in the league

     Seem to be losing momentum at a crucial time

There have been several teams like Aston Villa this season, those who temporarily flirt with the top positions before experiencing ups and down and eventually ending up somewhere mid-table. 

We’ve seen Southampton, Chelsea, Spurs and Everton all go through the same patches of form. Aston Villa remain in possession of two games in hand, something which could be crucial coming into the latter stages of the season.

Here, they face an Arsenal side in a similar vein of form, showing signs that they could push higher in the table, but equally not playing with enough conviction to do so.

Star man Jack Grealish is undoubtedly one of the players of the season so far, although has just a single league goal from his last 11 matches. More is needed if Villa are to push further towards European football.

Star Man – Ollie Watkins

Took his goal brilliantly against West Ham and now has three in his last four league outings.

Arsenal FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WLWDL

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Were unlucky against Wolves with refereeing decisions

     Recent performances against Man United and Southampton show progress

Reasons to be fearful:

     Unable to consistently produce results

     Will be missing David Luiz and Bernd Leno through suspension

The Gunners are having one of those seasons whereby just as you feel they could really start to push forward, they’re hauled back to reality with a disappointing result.

For this game, an important one for sure, they will be without their goalkeeper and their senior central defender after both were sent off in the defeat to Wolves. David Luiz’s dismissal was controversial, though Leno can have no complaints after handling to ball outside his own area.

Arsenal appeared to have the upper hand before the first red card, scoring first through an improved Nicolas Pepe, though were unable to hold on after going down to 10 men.

Here, they must put those demons to bed and play with the same defensive solidity they’ve found against Manchester United and Southampton in recent weeks.

Star Man – Nicolas Pepe

Is beginning to look like the £72m player Arsenal thought they’d purchased last season, scoring twice in previous three appearances.