Arsenal – Aston Villa, getty images January 18, 2025, 09:30

[ * ] — position in the Premier League standings

[2] ARSENAL – ASTON VILLA [7] SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 7:30 p.m. EMIRATES STADIUM, LONDON. CHIEF REFEREE — CHRIS CAVANAUGH. LIVE ON SETANTA SPORTS

The last cup matches of London Arsenal could not be classified as successful, but at the same time, in the middle of the week, Mikel Arteta’s wards managed to rehabilitate in front of their own fans within the framework of the championship. And it was not just some kind of victory that would be taken for granted. It was a victory in the North London derby against Tottenham (2:1), which, although stylistically, is a convenient opponent for the “gunners”, but is not at all predictable in terms of the results of its performances.

The last victory allowed the “gunners” to somewhat strengthen their position in the championship race. Yes, the whole situation is certainly not in the hands of Mikel Arteta’s side anytime soon, with Liverpool still the favorites and comfortably ahead on points. In addition, Arsenal’s personnel problems in the attacking line literally scream about the need to enter the transfer market already this winter. Working on the signing of Martin Submendi is certainly good as an option for the future, but we all understand where the Londoners really need to strengthen now – and so does Arteta. But are there any options available?

Aston Villa, from the moment Unai Emery led the team, became almost the most uncomfortable opponent for Mikel Arteta and company, but in the first round this “inconvenience” evaporated somewhere. At the end of August last year, Arsenal managed to win a completely confident victory over Birmingham with a score of 2:0, but this does not mean at all that it is worth waiting for such a confident and easy walk this time.

We think many would agree that Aston Villa have clearly failed this season compared to the high bar Emery’s side set last campaign. There are very logical explanations for this, starting from the performances of the “lions” in the Champions League and ending with the banal lack of summer reinforcements to the extent that the coaching staff would like. On the other hand, looking at the latest results, it can be said that Birmingham have regained their form, having three consecutive victories to their credit. But we also understand that two of those wins came against teams that had just changed head coaches, and the third was against a team that did so during the current season.

According to bookmakers, Mikel Arteta’s wards are the favorites for the upcoming confrontation. For example, odds for Arsenal to win are offered at 1.60, while Aston Villa’s potential success is estimated at 6.70. The probability of a draw is represented by a coefficient of 4.35.

INDICATIVE COMPOSITIONS ARSENAL: Paradise — Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelley — Edegore, Parti, Rice — Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard

ASTON VILLA: Amy Martinez — Cash, Konsa, Mingz, Dinh — Onana, Tielemans, Kamara — Rodgers, Watkins, Ramsey

Will not play: Saka, Nwaneri, Jesus, White, Tomiyasu — Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, McGinn, Barkley

In question: Calafiori — …

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