Both Aston Villa and Arsenal experienced disappointing defeats last time out in the Premier League so, both sets of fans will be hoping to see a response from their team.

An inconsistent Villa side have two wins in their last five games with the other three coming up as defeats. Arsenal have two wins, two draws and a loss in their last five games. 

Team News: 

The Gunners will be without 33-year-old Brazilian Centre back David Luiz for this game after the Football Association have confirmed that his controversial red card will stand as he conceded a penalty to Wolverhampton Wonderers on Tuesday night.

The FA have also confirmed that the Arsenal Centre Back will only receive a one match ban for his actions. 

Mikel Arteta spoke on the fitness of Mat Ryan as the Australian has been struggling with an injury and not been training in the past week.

“He has not been able to train yet, and Alex Runarsson is available, so we will have to make the choice between the two of them for the weekend. If Mat is able to train, and they are both fit then we will have a decision to make. If Mat is not fit then obviously Alex will be in goal.”

Pablo Mari and Kieran Tierney will both be doubts for this game with Arteta stating that Tierney was “Not close at all” to feature in their match against Wolves in a game that Cedric filled in for the Scottish Left Back.

Pablo Mari missed his sixth successive game against Wolves with the club releasing a statement last week saying he was nearing a return. Gabriel will be expected to fill in for his Brazilian Teammate next to Rob Holding. 

Predicted Lineups:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

Runnarson; Bellerin, Gabriel, Holding, Cedric, Partey, Xhaka, Pepe, Odegard, Saka, Lacazette.

Villa (4-2-3-1)

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Traore, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins.

Ones to watch: 

Nicolas Pepe has been an outstanding performer for The Gunners in recent weeks with the player looking rejuvenated in his new role on the left-hand side.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international has been full of pace, power and trickery in recent weeks as well as beginning to add goals and assists to his game. Arteta’s Arsenal is a very well-balanced side with Pepe and Bukayo Saka operating in the wide areas. 

Football fans should be reminded to keep an eye out for Arsenal’s new signing Martin Odegard as the 22-year-old Norwegian Playmaker may be set for his first significant feature since joining on loan from Spanish Giants Real Madrid.

Odegard’s silky playing style and eye for a pass could be the key to unlock Aston Villa’s defence. 

Last time out:

Earlier in this season when these two sides clashed at Emirates Stadium, Aston Villa were the side that came out with the victory as the Birmingham side won 3-0 on the night.

Bukayo Saka conceded an own goal and Villa danger man Ollie Watkins scored a brace. The Gunners will hope for a very different result this time that could propel them as high as 8th above deadly rivals Tottenham Hotspur and two points off the top six. 

How to watch:

Due to current national restrictions in the Coronavirus Pandemic, no fans will be in attendance at Villa Park. The game will however be live to watch on BT sport with kick off set for 12:30 PM.