Allen Hamilton

What: English Premier League
Who: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
When: Wednesday 21st December, 2011, at 19:45 UK Time
Where: Villa Park, Birmingham, England


Praying for a Cutting Edge

Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Sunday was disappointing, but in many ways the Midlands giants were lucky that the loss was not crushing. Only profligate finishing from Kenny Dalglish’s men kept the score down, with Luis Suarez hitting the woodwork and Charlie Adam missing a golden chance. Now though Alex McLeish’s men have the opportunity to make amends and stop their festive fixture list turning into a nightmare.

Sitting tenth, McLeish’s men are on a worrying run of form that has included three defeats in five games. While the losses have come against Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, the trend is clearly downwards. With a festive run that features trips to Stoke City and Chelsea after this clash, Villa run the very real risk of starting the new year on the back of four successive defeats.

Clearly absent on Sunday was a potent striker, with Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor missing, a fact McLeish has acknowledged. "We lacked a cutting edge with two big strikers missing. We lost three players who have been vital and when you lose that calibre it can hurt you", said the former Birmingham boss.

"We’re seeking stability at this club. It’s difficult to get consistent when you’re coming up against some of the giants every other game." McLeish and co. must battle another giant here.

Encouraged by City Trip

Arsenal were widely expected to lose in their weekend trip to Eastlands to face Manchester City. And while Arsene Wenger’s men did go down 1-0, it was the manner of the defeat, with not too much between the sides, which will have impressed the Frenchman. Indeed, the Gunners had chances to take something from the game and on another day could have celebrated a surprise win.

The result confirmed that Wenger’s men have certainly rediscovered their groove and, if not Premier League title challengers, the talent is there to hold onto a top four spot – something which had been largely written off following the club’s worst ever start to a season by the middle of September.

There are still concerns however. A reliance on Robin van Persie is fine when the Dutchman is fit, but a gruelling Christmas fixture list will test his legs. At least Arsenal should find a friend in the Villa Park pitch, a place at which Wenger’s men have always enjoyed playing, making full use of the width on offer.

Wenger is targeting three points at Villa, explaining that while the performance was good at Eastlands, he is craving points. "Encouragement is good, but it is not enough", said the Frenchman. "We want points."

Recent form

Aston Villa:
Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United (03/12; Premier League)
Bolton 1-2 Aston Villa
(10/12; Premier League)
Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool
(18/12; Premier League)

Arsenal:
Olympiacos 3-1 Arsenal
(06/12; Champions League)
Arsenal 1-0 Everton (10/12; Premier League)
Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal (18/12; Premier League)

Key absences

Aston Villa: Stephen Ireland (doubt); Darren Bent (doubt); Shay Given; Eric Lichaj

Arsenal: Alex Song (suspended); Johan Djourou; Andre Santos; Kieran Gibbs (doubt); Bacary Sagna; Jack Wilshere; Carl Jenkinson


Players to watch

Aston Villa – Gabriel Agbonlahor: The boyhood Villa fan missed the weekend defeat to Liverpool and his absence shone through. A quick and tricky threat, Agbonlahor offers McLeish a cutting edge up front and is the home side’s best chance of breaching Arsenal’s backline.

Arsenal – Gervinho: Aston Villa may well pay special attention to Robin van Persie, leaving Gervinho to cause havoc. The Ivorian has adapted well to the Premier League and is capable of superb runs with excellent technical skill. With the forward set to head to the African Cup of Nations in January, he will want to do all he can to leave Arsenal in fine fettle.

Match Prediction

Aston Villa appear to be badly out of form and even if both Bent and Agbonlahor return, beating an Arsenal side on an upward curve looks a stiff task. Wenger’s men are targeting the three points and should grab the spoils. Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal.

 


Aston Villa v Arsenal is an intriguing Premier League clash. Who will come out on top and who should you bet on? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.