Troy Deeney has made an interested UEFA Champions League claim ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Aston Villa.
This afternoon’s clash is being billed as one of Mikel Arteta’s hardest of the remaining Premier League fixtures, with Unai Emery returning to the Emirates Stadium for the first time with fans in attendance as Villa look to solidify their top-four spot.
Whilst the likes of Paul Merson have predicted Arsenal to wipe the floor with Villa, we know far too well that the visiting side will not go down without a fight, especially with the Gunners already losing to the Villa Park side this season.
And for former Watford striker and Arsenal enemy Deeney has now given his prediction for the game.
Troy Deeney makes ‘interesting’ Champions League claim in Arsenal – Aston Villa prediction
Speaking on TikTok, the 35-year-old coach made the bold claim that Arsenal will drop points this afternoon against Villa, citing that the Gunners will have one eye on Wednesday’s tie against Bayern Munich.
With next week’s Champions League clash a massive one, it makes sense why Arsenal could have been focusing on their away trip to Germany, with a spot in the semi-finals on the line for the Gunners.
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However, the Premier League is also a priority for Arsenal, and Arteta will not allow his team to drop standards later today against Villa, with this fixture arguably one of the most important in the entire season for the Gunners.
Deeney said: “This is an interesting one, both have played in Europe and both had challenging games for different reasons. I feel like Arsenal have one eye on that Champions League game. I’m going to say a draw, a 2-2 draw.”
Arsenal have the maturity to focus on both games
Arsenal from yesteryear might have struggled with the prospect of facing both a must-win Premier League game followed by a similar one in a European competition.
However, this Arsenal team under Arteta are different to those who came before, and this squad have the mental capacity and maturity to focus on both games and to give 100% of their effort in both ties.
Indeed, three points today against Villa would be massive, and Arsenal following that up with a win in Munich would be even bigger as Arteta looks to win the double for the Gunners this season.