- Date & Time: Sunday, April 14 – at 16:30 BST
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Teams: Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Looking to bet on Arsenal vs Villa?
Check out our top list of Premier League bookies with Betting.com.
Vital clash as Gunners fight for title and Villa push for Europe
Arsenal are poised for an important Premier League showdown as they aim to inch closer to their first English title in twenty years. Their upcoming match against Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa at the Emirates promises to be a thrilling encounter. Following a hard-fought draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Arsenal will look to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s recent triumph against Lille in the Europa Conference League suggests they’re a force to be reckoned with. With both teams eager for points, Sunday’s clash is shaping up to be a must-watch spectacle at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal
As Arsenal prepare for the decisive second leg at the Allianz Arena, they must also refocus their attention on the Premier League title race. Since their resilient display against Manchester City, where they showcased defensive solidity, Arteta’s side has been in scintillating form, dispatching opponents with flair. Convincing victories over Luton Town and Brighton, with a combined scoreline of 5-0 and facing only three shots on target across both matches, highlight their dominance.
A key fixture looms on the horizon as Arsenal face Aston Villa, seeking redemption for their earlier defeat at Villa Park. John McGinn’s early goal in the reverse fixture inflicted one of Arsenal’s rare league defeats this season, a testament to Villa’s top-four credentials under Unai Emery.
With the Premier League title race intensifying, Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta promises excitement and ambition as they aim to reclaim their position among Europe’s elite while simultaneously pursuing domestic glory.
Long-term injury victim Jurrien Timber, who is back in first-team training, is Arsenal’s only definate absentee through injury. Gabriel suffered an injury scare against Brighton, but was fit enough to play against Bayern in midweek.
Aston Villa
While Aston Villa may not boast a standout star like some of the teams above them in the Premier League standings, the likes of England international Ollie Watkins are certainly making their mark. Watkins has been in prolific form, netting an impressive 25 goals in all competitions this season, a feat matched only by Dwight Yorke for the club during a Premier League campaign.
Despite their success in Europe, Aston Villa’s recent league form has been somewhat inconsistent, with just one point earned from their last two matches. Their draw against Brentford last Saturday saw Watkins salvaging a point with a late goal.
Looking ahead, Aston Villa will aim to carry their European momentum into the second leg against Lille. Their past triumphs, including a convincing victory against Arsenal in 2020, will undoubtedly provide them with confidence as they continue their pursuit of success in the Conference League.
Douglas Luiz will serve a two match suspension after being booked for the 10th time this season against Brentford. Youngster Tim Iroegbunam could replace him. Boubacar Kamara (knee) and Jacob Ramsey (foot) both look likely to miss out.
Prediction
Unai Emery has done a great job and Villa are a really good side. Emery would like to return to his former side and come away with something, however, we feel that Arsenal will be too strong. Arteta’s side have quality, but they are also hugely resilient. This is a tough test for them, however, we feel that they will come through. Home win.
Odds correct at 16:00 on 12.04.24. Odds subject to change.
Check out the best betting sites in the UK with Betting.com.