Aston Villa vs Arsenal preview

Aston Villa V Arsenal Friday 17:20 Setanta Sports

The live game on Setanta for the Festive period sees Arsenal seeking out revenge for their defeat in the previous meeting between the two sides at The Emirates. Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-0 in London so that should add to the intensity of the fixture along with the fact that who ever wins will remain or jump back into the top four. Both sides only know how to play football one way and that is attack. It should be a lively encounter.

Martin O’Neill is doing a good job at Aston Villa and it’s clear that he is building a side for the future with some incredible English talent in the mixer. Their highlight this season has been undoubtedly the young winger Ashley Young. No doubt his valuation will have doubled since the start of the season along with Gabriel Agbonlahor upfront. Both are very Young and Villa must expect a lot of speculation during January with many clubs expected to be interested in the pair. Their league position is fair reflection of their season so far and are currently one of just two sides to have separated the big four in recent weeks and are more then likely the only side that could potential upset the big four pecking order. Villa are on a good run of three straight wins and are unbeaten in the league for six matches. Arsenal have it all to do if they are to upset Villa’s Christmas and be only the second side this season to go to Villa Park and win.

Arsene Wenger was furious with the referee’s decision to send Adebayor off against Liverpool. A decision which heavily influenced the game and one that will play a part in this fixture as Adebayor will now miss this tough away fixture. Bendtner will probably step in, in place of Adebayor but the absence of their Togo forward will be a massive blow. Arsenal were also dealt another blow by the news that Fabregas could be out for some weeks after doing ligament damage in that game with Liverpool. Not looking good ey? Add that to the fact that Arsenal haven’t travelled too well this season and you can only look at backing one side. Villa! Arsenal pulled something out of the hat when they came from behind to beat Chelsea a few weeks back at Stamford Bridge but they have lost to some very poor sides away from home so it is hard to tell what side will turn up to face Villa.

Match odds -
Aston Villa 81/50 Paddypower
Draw 12/5 Coral
Arsenal 2/1 Betdirect

Prediction – Draw