Arsenal are winless in their last three Premier League matches. This run includes draws with Tottenham Hotspur and Watford plus a loss against Liverpool. The Gunners will want to turn their league fortunes around on Sunday as they host Aston Villa.
The Villans, meanwhile, have taken just four points from their opening five matches. Additionally, they have lost both of their two matches away from Villa Park this season.
Arsenal Desperate for Three Points Against Aston Villa
Team News
Arsenal are still dealing with a few long-term absences, namely Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney, Dinos Mavropanos and Alexandre Lacazette. Meanwhile, Rob Holding made the trip to Germany ahead of the Europa League win over Eintracht Frankfurt but did not feature.
During the match in Frankfurt, Sead Kolasinac did appear to pick up an injury. Head coach Unai Emery, however, dismissed this question following the match, “He played on Sunday, tonight and he felt a small problem but I think he’s fine.”
Aston Villa will welcome Matt Targett back to the squad ahead of the match. However, neither James Chester nor Jonathan Kodjia will be available to play due to a lack of match fitness and a cheekbone injury respectively.
Prediction
Arsenal have struggled somewhat in the young league season. Their wins over Newcastle United and Burnley were not exactly convincing and the recent draw against Watford came after going two goals ahead.
However, Aston Villa have not exactly been world-beaters either. Four points from five games would equal just 30 points in a 38-match season, making Villa early relegation candidates. They have been especially bad away from home, losing both matches they’ve played.
Dean Smith has put together a fairly sturdy defence, to be fair. Six goals allowed in five matches is a respectable tally for a lower-table side. Attack has been their greatest weakness, the club has scored just four goals this season.
Although Arsenal will likely give away a goal to Aston Villa, their attack and the fact that they’re playing at home should mean that they take three points from the fixture.
Predicted score: Arsenal 3 Aston Villa 1
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