Focus Fixture: Can Arteta end Emery's winning run

Aston Villa host Arsenal on Saturday night and it promises to be a tantalising affair that could have a huge impact on the Premier League table. This is set to be one of the Gunners’ toughest tests of the season but it’s a chance for Arteta’s men to highlight their title credentials.

The Form

Aston Villa were disappointing in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last weekend. They lacked cutting edge and needed a stoppage time header from Ollie Watkins to save a point. However, they bounded back in emphatic fashion midweek by beating Manchester City.

The 1-0 scoreline against Pep Guardiola’s side doesn’t tell the whole story. Villa were exceptional in all areas and dominated the game from start to finish. City didn’t have a shot for 75 minutes and they were unable to find an answer for Villa’s cohesive pressing and compact lines. Emery’s side were able to win the ball back 13 times in the final third. They will look to combat Arsenal’s playing out from the back in a similar fashion.

The Villan's home form is what has set them apart this season. They have won all seven of their Premier League matches at Villa Park and played some adventurous football in the process. No team in the league has scored more goals in front of their own fans than Aston Villa and it is easy to see why. Ollie Watkins has been a force in attack. He has netted eight times and assisted six goals already. Villa’s home matches have seen an average of 4.14 goals per game so far this season and this could well be another goal-laden affair.

Arsenal come into this match with plenty of confidence. A run of six consecutive wins in all competitions has seen them secure the top spot in their Champions League group and race ahead of the pack in the Premier League. Arteta’s side stormed to an early lead in the Premier League last season but were eventually caught by Manchester City. They know they will need to keep up this relentless pace to finish above both City and Liverpool.

Mike Arteta has made alterations to his team over the summer to get them over the line. He has breathed life into his midfield by bringing in Declan Rica and the former West Ham player has had an immediate impact. Kai Havertz endured a tricky start but he has scored some crucial goals in recent weeks. His early season form raised a few eyebrows but he is slowly proving why Mike Arteta was right to bring him in.

Saturday night’s match promises to be intriguing with Arsenal remaining the bookmaker's favourite despite Villa’s extraordinary home form. 

The Runners and the Riders

There are a couple of players who remain unavailable for Aston Villa. Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings remain sidelined but there are no fresh injury concerns for Emery following the win over Manchester City.

Arsenal are still without Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Viera and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Jurrien Timber has a long-term injury and is unlikely to return to action before the end of the season.

What They Said

Unai Emery was quietly confident in his press conference ahead of this clash. He said “tomorrow is going to be difficult, we are confident at home and are feeling strong at Villa Park.” Arsenal lead the way in the race for the title and Emery was complimentary of his former side.

Arteta will be absent from the touchline against Aston Villa and he has taken the opportunity to hit back at the FA. He was carded for excessive celebration when his side grabbed the winner at Luton. Arteta said “you have everybody bounding and you lose sense of where you are.”

Bet Builder Tip

Our bet builder for this one is for there to be over 2.5 goals in the match and for Leon Bailey to have a shot on target in the match. 

Aston Villa are averaging 3.43 goals per home game in the Premier League this season. That’s 0.43 more than Liverpool who have scored the second most goals on home turf. Clean sheets have also been hard to come by at Villa Park. They have conceded in five of their seven home wins and over 2.5 goals landed in the six home matches before their win over Manchester City.

Arsenal looked frail defensively against Luton. The newly-promoted outfit were able to put three past the Gunners and it took a last-gasp winner from Declan Rice to pick up all three points. The Gunners’ away matches this season are averaging 2.74 goals per game but there is scope for plenty more when they take on this dangerous Villa side.

We are combining the goal angle with Leon Bailey to have a shot on target. The winger was at his brilliant best against Manchester City. He scored the crucial goal and managed three shots on target in the match. Bailey is averaging 3.4 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season with an average of 1.3 on target.

Recommended bet

Back over 2.5 Goals In The Match & Over 0.5 Shots On Target For Leon Bailey at 2.90