Arsenal versus Villa: the “mind the gap” edition « Untold Arsenal: Arsenal News. Supporting the Lord Wenger; coach of the decade

By Phil Gregory

Arsenal host Aston Villa in one of Saturday’s 3pm kick offs, but no doubt some eyes will be on the earlier Chelsea vs. Tottenham game. The pre-match chat about that game has been covered excellently in our new game week preview by Arun, but I will just add that should Spurs slip to a defeat – which seems probable given their dire recent performances and away record – they will be a mere two points clear of Chelsea in fifth, and if they aren’t already feeling the pressure, they would do then. Mind the gap, lads!

Looking at our game, we’re pretty healthy in regards to injuries. Even Diaby is back fit, though Wenger said in his recent press conference he’ll be looking to get the Frenchman ninety minutes in a reserves game before looking to include him in a match day squad for the first team. All in all, that gives us a pretty healthy team to select from, and a lack of additional injuries from the Everton game was fantastic.

Szcznesy

Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs

Song Arteta

Rosicky

Walcott Van Persie Chamberlain

There’s certainly enough in that line up to comfortably beat Aston Villa at home. Villa aren’t the same side they have been over the last couple of seasons: they’ve lost some big players (Young I mean, Downing less so!) and of course have Darren Bent out injured. We mustn’t be overconfident however: Villa have actually performed better away this season than in front of their own fans. Much of their game under O’Neill was based around a direct style, countering with pace and undoubtedly this lends itself well to nicking points and wins with gritty performances away from home. Certainly then, this will be something to watch out for.

I’ll wrap up a fairly brief preview at this point, as since writing the latter I’ve been to the pub, and only Dogface can blog eloquently after a few drinks. 2-0 to the Arse for me. I’ll be keeping track of this one on live text as I’m moving home for the holidays, so a couple of goals will keep me entertained for the journey home. If Spurs lose, life will become brilliantly hilarious, so fingers crossed!

RefWatch: Arsenal v Villa starring Phil Dowd as panto villain

Premier League weekend previews – the games of Arsenal, Man U, Man C, Chelsea and Tottenham

Our last match – how the referee did.   Everton 0 Arsenal 1