Following Arsenal’s draw with Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta’s side go up against old manager Unai Emery’s in-form Aston Villa who themselves were in action in Europe on Thursday night.
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich and will take on the German giants next Wednesday and that could have a say on who Arteta chooses to play against the Midlands outfit, who have been excellent this term.
Indeed, Arteta will want to rest his big stars like Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Emery may even consider resting some of his. Villa go to Lille next Thursday, after a narrow first leg win, 2-1.
Villa remain in the hunt for the top four but with Spurs overtaking Emery’s men and boasting a game in hand, and with fifth promising Champions League football – Villa could rest players to help them in Lille.
Arsenal will want revenge against Aston Villa after earlier defeat
Either way, it is going to be a tough game for both sides with the pressure on Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title. Indeed, Villa won the reverse fixtures 1-0 – John McGinn scoring the only goal.
Peter Crouch discussed the clash on Sunday evening between Arsenal and Villa on the Peter Crouch podcast and he predicted a win for Arteta’s men – praising the Gunners for their ability at both ends.
“We’ve all got Arsenal 3-1. I don’t worry about Arsenal going forward ever, but defensively they have just been so solid. They don’t look like they are going to concede,” Crouch predicted on his latest episode.
No hiccups expected in the race for the title this weekend
Arsenal need to win to keep up the momentum going into next week’s trip to Munich, while Villa will want to give a good account of themselves before the second leg against Lille. It is an interesting bout.
But Arsenal should have enough in the tank to go and secure another three points. Of course, a win would see Arsenal go to the top of the Premier League table – Liverpool host Palace, City face Luton.
Arsenal will go to the top if they can secure all three points, but the gap will be stretched if Liverpool or City fail to win in their matches. At home to Palace and Luton, though, you’d expect both to pull through.
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