The State of Play
Mikel Arteta has led an outstanding Arsenal side in the Premier League in the calendar year of 2024 with the Gunners having played 11 matches in the league with ten victories and a draw, with that draw coming away at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. That impressive run of form means that Arsenal have lifted themselves to the top-of-the-table ahead of this weekend.
Aston Villa have been really indifferent in this calendar year in contrast and the Villains slipped out of the top four and the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots last weekend as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Brentford at Villa Park. Due to poor performances from English teams in UEFA competition in midweek, too, it could well be that Villa need to finish in the top four, rather than top five, to get UEFA Champions League.
Team News
With the second-leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich coming up, Mikel Arteta may be tempted to rotate but he doesn’t have the luxury as a strong Villa side come to north London. Only Jurrien Timber is out injured.
Unai Emery has several long-term absentees at the moment with Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey and Emi Buendia remaining unavailable. Douglas Luiz is also missing through suspension this weekend.
Expected Line-ups
Arsenal: David Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Trossard
Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Alex Moreno; Bailey, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers; Diaby, Watkins
What they Said
Mikel Arteta described himself as ‘very proud’ after Arsenal shared a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich at the Emirates on Tuesday. He did say that they are ‘going to be better in certain areas’, though.
In the aftermath of Luton’s dramatic defeat of Bournemouth last weekend, Rob Edwards said he was ‘drained’ as the Hatters continue to battle against the drop.
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at the Emirates Stadium at 16:30 on Saturday April 13th and will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK. It will also be able to be streamed live via the Sky Go app in the UK.
Prediction
Mikel Arteta has never really rotated, albeit Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson did start a couple of weeks ago. He may make a couple of changes ahead of going to the Allianz Arena this week. Aston Villa will travel south and prove to be a genuine threat to the Gunners but Emery really doesn’t have the luxury of making many, if any, changes ahead off their second-leg with Lille on Thursday. Arsenal, therefore, should win relatively comfortably on Sunday afternoon.
