Date: 9 December 2023
Kick-Off: 17:30 UK, 18:30 CET
Venue: Villa Park
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Contents
Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Top free betting tips
The most exciting Premier League game on paper this weekend takes place on Saturday evening when Aston Villa face Arsenal but how are things going to pan out? Our Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction is for yet another home win for the Villains with the Midlands club flying under Unai Emery. Arsenal won't exactly be an easy opponent, though, and will likely put up more of a fight than Manchester City did in the week.
Match result prediction: Aston Villa to win
Predicting Aston Villa to beat Arsenal just three days after they beat Manchester City may seem like a brave call but the way the Villains dismantled City on Wednesday was beyond impressive. It was the best performance of any team so far this season and their home record speaks for itself – seven games, seven wins, 24 goals scored and 5 goals conceded.
Both teams to score prediction: Yes
Aside from their comfortable victory over Manchester City, Aston Villa have been in some colossal matches recently where they have scored and conceded. Prior to the match with City, their last five matches had all seen both teams get on the scoresheet while Arsenal come into this one fresh off the back of their 4-3 thriller with Luton Town.
Correct score prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal
Both teams have cause for optimism coming into this one. Aston Villa are 7 for 7 in home league matches this season while Arsenal have won six consecutive league fixtures. It's a close one to call but Villa's home form has been more convincing than Arsenal's run of wins with the Gunners needing late winners a few times to bail them out.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal team news
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Arsenal
After their victory on Wednesday night, Unai Emery will be keen to keep the same eleven together if possible. The only doubt from those who started the match against City is Leon Bailey, who looked to hobble off the pitch after the full-time whistle. If Bailey is unavailable then Moussa Diaby will come in for the Jamaican in a move that illustrates just how strong the Villa squad is.
Martinez – Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne – Bailey, Luiz, Kamara, McGin – Tielemans – Watkins
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa
Mikel Arteta may be more open to making changes than Emery after Arsenal conceded three to Luton on Tuesday night. Bailey and/or Diaby against Arsenal's fullbacks will be a concern especially after Kiwior performed so poorly midweek. Zinchenko will likely come in for him while Ben White will start at right-back. Tomiyasu, Smith-Rowe, Timber, Vieira and Partey are all unavailable due to injury.
Raya – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko – Rice, Havertz, Odegaard – Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Aston Villa vs Arsenal: What the fans think
Villains desperate for the win
Hate Arsenal. Hate Arteta. Roll on Saturday. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/EhmXnwO95W
— Shaun Barker (@ShaunJBarker) December 6, 2023
Gunners viewing this one as a test
Villa away on Saturday will be a very, very difficult game. Will tell us a lot about how serious we are this season.
— James. (@afcjxmes) December 6, 2023
How far will Arsenal fans travel to Villa Park?
Arsenal fans will make a 100-mile trip to Birmingham from North London on Saturday for the match against Aston Villa. It's a familiar trip for Arsenal fans who made the journey frequently when FA Cup semi-finals were often played there before they were moved to Wembley. The trip will take around two hours by car or coach up the M1 and M6 while a train from Euston to Birmingham takes around 90 minutes.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Tickets
Unsurprisingly, all Aston Villa tickets have been sold for this fixture with all tickets going to season ticket holders and official club members. There are still some hospitality packages available for the match but these are very pricey and can only be purchased directly through the club's official website. Arsenal, who usually travel well, have also sold out their away allocation at Villa Park so there won't be a spare seat in the house when the match kicks off at 17:30 UK time.
FAQs: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Who is the referee? Jarred Gillett will take charge of Aston Villa vs Arsenal.
Who is the Aston Villa manager? Unai Emery is the Aston Villa manager.
Where is the match being played? Aston Villa vs Arsenal will be played at Villa Park.
What was the score the last time they played each other? The scoreline was 4-2 to Arsenal the last time Aston Villa faced the Gunners.