Premier League high-flyers Arsenal and Aston Villa are set to lock horns in the league on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Gunners will be hosting Unai Emery’s Champions League-chasing Villans at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will be hoping to maintain momentum at the top of the table, with both Liverpool and Manchester City snapping at their heels.
Meanwhile, Villa will be eager to get back into the top four after playing out a 3-3 draw with Brentford last Saturday.
This allowed top-four rivals Tottenham to leapfrog them following their win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Paul Merson, who turned out for both Arsenal and Villa during his playing days, has now shared his prediction for the match.
Who does Paul Merson think will win between Arsenal and Aston Villa on Sunday?
The pundit, writing on Sportskeeda, admits he’s concerned about how the Villans played against Brentford.
Merson reckons it’ll be “lights off” if they deliver a similar performance away at title-chasing Arsenal.
The former Gunners and Villa ace reckons Mikel Arteta’s charges will prevail, running out 2-0 winners.
“I watched Aston Villa against Brentford and if they play like that against Arsenal – turn the lights off,” wrote Merson.
“I have to go with the home side here as they have been unbelievable especially since the turn of the year and their record at the Emirates Stadium makes for impressive reading.
“Villa haven’t won a trophy since 1996, so they will be keen on winning the Conference League.”
Arsenal v Aston Villa team news
Arsenal don’t seem to have any fresh issues in terms of player availability ahead of the Aston Villa clash.
Arteta didn’t disclose whether Gabriel Magalhaes will be fit after missing part of training, suggesting he’ll know more after Saturday’s session.
Only Jurrien Timber looks likely to miss out, with the Arsenal boss telling the Gunners media team that “he’s still got a few steps to make”.
By contrast, Villa have a lengthy injury list. They’re set to be without Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash and Tyrone Mings.
Arsenal v Aston Villa – writer’s prediction
The Gunners have an almost fully fit team and are playing at home, while the Villans are nursing several injuries.
Although Villa certainly have what it takes to give the Gunners a tough time, I think the hosts will prevail. I predict a 3-1 home win.
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