Arsenal v Aston Villa – 2011 Premier League Preview

Arsenal v Aston Villa is the Gunners last match at home, and despite Man United securing their 19th league title yesterday the London side still have plenty to play for. The same could be said for Aston Villa, who are in the midst of their worst season in recent memory and could still mathematically be relegated.

Arsenal v Aston Villa

Arsenal Team News & Stats

Arsenal stand in 3rd place with 67 points. They’re in poor form recently, having won 2 and lost 2 of their past 8 games. Playing at Emirates, the Gunners have collected 30 points in 18 matches, including 2 wins in their last 5 played. Arsenal had a poor showing against Stoke last week following their win against the Red Devils. Playing their last game of the season in front of the home crowd, they will be counted on to put on a show and fill up the score sheet. Wenger will be more concerned with just getting the 3 points with Man City just 2 points behind. It will be important for Arsenal to finish at least 3rd as a Champinos League qualifying match awaits the 4th place team, and those are never fun just at the start of a brand new season. Belgian defender Vermaelen is set to make his return after missing the entire season while Nasri and Fabregas will be game time decisions.

Aston Villa Team News & Stats

Aston Villa travel to London with a recent form where they have let in 9 goals and dropped 10 points in their past 5 matches away from Villa Park. It’s a small shot, but Aston Villa still face the daunting prospect of Championship football next season. For that to happen they would have to lose their last 2 matches and both Wigan and Blackpool would need full points from their remaining fixtures. Aston Villa have a decent record at the Emirates so expect them to challenge the Gunners today. Gary McAllister is still in charge of the team following Houllier’s health problems. Besides the injury to Jean Makoun, Villa travel with a full squad to London.

Arsenal v Aston Villa Betting Odds / Tips and Prediction:

For those looking to bet on Arsenal v Aston Villa, odds on leading betting site Bet365 are as follows. Arsenal to beat Aston Villa odds is priced at 4/11, the draw is given 4/1 while Aston Villa to beat Arsenal is valued at 15/2. Arsenal should have no problem taking care of business at home and put Man City’s hopes of stealing 3rd position away. Villa have looked lost since the absence of Houlier and realistically shouldn’t upset Arsenal at this stage of the season. Prediction: Arsenal win.

Let us know your thoughts if you plan to watch Arsenal v Aston Villa live at 16:00 – how will the the Gunners fare at home compated to the last time they played against Aston Villa (Last Meeting: Nov 27, 2010, W 4-2 ) ?