Aston Villa have a tough test ahead of them as they prepare to host title-chasing Arsenal in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Villa are coming off back to back defeats to Leicester and Manchester City, leaving them in 11th place with 28 points.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are without a win in their last four games, losing their top spot after a 3-1 drubbing at the hands of Man City.
Arsenal are now second on the EPL table for the first time since November with 51 points but behind on goal difference.
Unai Emery reunites with his former club as he seeks to steer his win to an important win here that would very much dent Arsenal’s title hopes.
Arsenal still travel to Villa Park as the Premier League’s best-performing away team this term – conceding a joint-low seven goals in the process.
The Gunners recorded a 1-0 win in this fixture last term before edging a close contest 2-1 at the end of August.
After a run of 3 consecutive victories against Arsenal in the league between 2020 and 2021, Villa have lost their last 3 games against their opponents.
After their 4-2 defeat against Leicester in their previous game at Villa Park, the hosts have not lost consecutive league games at home since April last year.
Will Arsenal turn their fortunes around and get a win that would see them return to the top of the table?
Click here to make your predictions and place your bet on this game.
What time does Aston Villa vs Arsenal start?
The game kicks off at 3:30pm Kenyan time at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal team news
Bertrand Traore could potentially play his way into the match day squad as he shakes off a knee injury but it’s unlikely that Tyrone Mings will return.
Former Arsenal man Calum Chambers is likely to drop to the bench after an underwhelming showing at the Etihad but Lucas Digne will start.
The rest of the team is likely to remain unchanged with Ollie Watkins leading the attacking line for the hosts.
For the visitors, Thomas Partey is still being assessed on whether he can start here but in his absence, Jorginho will retain his starting role in midfield.
Ben White will also return to the starting line-up and there could be a start for Leandro Trossard on the cards.
Despite a lack of goals in recent games, Eddie Nketiah will continue to lead the Gunners attack.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal head to head
Arsenal have a good record against Aston Villa and have won 86 out of the 200 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Villa’s 69 victories.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal current form
The hosts have won twice in their last 5 games and suffered three defeats, while Arsenal only have one win to their name in that run and have lost 3 games.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction
Villa have only failed to score in one of their last 10 games and with Arsenal’s away form this season, both teams are likely to get on the score sheet.