Thursday, March 28, 2024

Prediction: Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Verdict: Both teams to score in second-half

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who are looking to make a return to winning ways this weekend, Aston Villa will welcome Arsenal to the Midlands on Saturday lunchtime.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have impressed many so far this season, Dean Smith’s side put in a sluggish display on home soil earlier in the week. Eventually hit with what was a deserved 3-1 loss at home against a high-flying West Ham, the former Brentford boss is desperately seeking a boost this weekend. Although Villa might have picked up that controversial 1-0 win away at Southampton when drawing a close to January, Smith’s side have gained a reputation for their issues since opening the New Year. A run that was highlighted by that dramatic 3-2 defeat away at Burnley last month, Saturday’s hosts have won just a pair of their last eight matchups across all formats. Looking to kickstart their outside European ambitions, Smith should at least be boosted by Ollie Watkins’ recent purple patch. Bagging himself what was a consolation strike against the Hammers in midweek, the 25-year-old has found the net in three of his last four Premier League matchups.

Team News

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has revealed that he is no new injury worries ahead of Saturday’s meeting against Arsenal.

January arrival Morgan Sanson is pushing for his first start after arriving from Marseille.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have thought that they had turned a real corner when entering the New Year, the Gunners do find themselves in the midst of a recent blip. Despite taking the lead away at Wolves earlier in the week, Mikel Arteta’s side were hit with a stunning 2-1 defeat on the road after seeing both Bernd Leno and David Luiz shown straight red cards. While Pep Guardiola’s former right-hand man might have seen his side impress with a 3-1 win away at Southampton last month, Arsenal have managed to win just one of their last four matchups across all formats. Looking to make a much-needed return to winning ways in the Midlands this weekend, Arteta should at least be boosted by Nicolas Pépé’s recent run of form. Getting himself on the scoresheet away at Wolves earlier in the week, Arsenal’s record signing has scored three goals in his past four starts in the league, as many as in his previous 16.

Team News

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno and defender David Luiz are both suspended as a result of their red cards at Wolves on Tuesday.

With Mat Ryan still dealing with a hip injury, Alex Runarsson should start between the sticks at Villa Park.

Key Factors to Consider

  • When the two sides faced off at the Emirates back in November, Aston Villa picked up a 3-0 romp.
  • However, Saturday’s hosts have won just a pair of their last eight matchups across all formats.
  • Likewise, the Gunners have managed to win just one of their last four matchups across all formats.
  • Villa striker Ollie Watkins has scored in three of his last four Premier League matchups.
  • Nicolas Pépé has scored three goals in his past four starts in the league, as many as in his previous 16.

Conclusion

On paper, we could have a lively contest on our hands at Villa Park this weekend. While Villa might have landed themselves that thumping 3-0 win when they made the trip to North London back in November, Saturday’s hosts are in the midst of a recent sluggish run. Hit with that 3-1 drumming at the hands of West Ham earlier in the week, Dean Smith’s men have won just a pair of contests since Boxing Day. With Arsenal not fairing much better and hit with that dramatic 2-1 loss away at Wolves in midweek, don’t be surprised to see a string of chances this weekend. In a showdown between two European outsiders, we’re backing both teams to find the net in the Midlands on Saturday lunchtime.

Verdict: Both teams to score in second-half

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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