Aston Villa FC vs Arsenal FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Aston Villa FC vs Arsenal FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Arsenal have reached a crucial point in their season, one that will go a long way to defining how they end up when the honours are dished out in May.

In losing to Manchester City, the Gunners were pushed off the top of the table by their opponents who beat them in a thrilling 3-1 encounter.

While Arsenal gave the champions an excellent game, it demonstrated the gap still present between the two clubs. They have a game in hand but must get back on the winning road here.

Aston Villa started off brilliantly under Unai Emery, beating the likes of Manchester United, Brighton and Tottenham. 

That streak has fallen away recently, with back-to-back defeats coming against Leicester and Manchester City. At home, you would expect a response from them here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Aston Villa FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have scored in all 11 games under Unai Emery

     Mings should return at the back after missing last game

Reasons to be fearful:

     Conceded seven goals in their last two matches

     Won just one of their last five home league games

The positives have certainly outweighed the negatives since Unai Emery took over and they have moved closer in their quest to become a top-half team once again.

However, two defeats from their last two games have halted their growth under the new manager. Their defence has looked shaky in recent times, not helped by Tyrone Mings missing their last match.

Although Mings should return here in place of the poor Calum Chambers, they will need to tighten up at the back as they face the league’s best away team this season.

A worrying sign, perhaps, is that they have won just one of their last five home games in the league, although they have been competitive in all of them.

A win here would get them back on track.

Star Man – Ollie Watkins

The England striker is one who has improved greatly under Emery’s management. He has seven goals this season, including one in each of his last three in the league.

Arsenal FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Won their last three against Villa

     Fate remains in their own hands with a game in hand over City

Reasons to be fearful

     Thomas Partey may be unavailable once again here

     Conceded in their last five games in all competitions

Although Arsenal have been overtaken by Manchester City, you would be surprised if they fell away now completely.

They remain an excellent side under Mikel Arteta and they will do well to remember the skills and qualities that took them into this position in the first place.

The Gunners are the league’s best away team this season, winning eight of their 11 games and with a goal difference of +13. You would certainly expect a response here.

Thomas Partey was a big miss for Arteta in that City defeat and there is no guarantee that he will return here. Jorginho is a solid replacement in midfield but doesn’t have the same drive and energy.

Ben White is likely to replace Tomiyasu after the latter failed to impress recently.

Star Man – Bukayo Saka

Saka continues to propel his team forward every week, alongside the quality of Odegaard and the dynamism of Martinelli. Saka took his penalty wonderfully against City, although the Gunners ultimately lost the game.