Arsenal vs Aston Villa Predictions
All to play for Arsenal!
Arsenal, chasing Premier League glory, host a determined Aston Villa side looking to break into the top four. With both teams in solid form, this clash at the Emirates promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Prediction
Both teams to score, over 2.5 goals full time, over 3.5 cards full time, over 7.5 corners to full time and Arsenal to win any half.
Data Analysis
xGA (Expected Goals Against): Arsenal’s defensive resilience has been notable, conceding only 0.9 xGA per game on average this season. Aston Villa, however, have struggled defensively, with an xGA of 1.4 per game.
Average Possession: Arsenal dominate possession with an average of 62%, while Villa manage 51%.
Touches in Box: Arsenal average 30 touches in the opposition box per game, highlighting their attacking intent. Villa trail slightly with 22 touches.
Attack and Defense Stats: Arsenal have scored in all but one home game this season and have kept clean sheets in 50% of their matches at the Emirates. Villa’s attack is spearheaded by Ollie Watkins, who has nine goals this season.
What's at Stake
For Arsenal, three points are crucial to maintain pressure on league leaders Liverpool and keep their title hopes alive. Aston Villa, just three points off fourth place, need a win to bolster their Champions League ambitions.
Match Decider
The midfield battle will be key. Arsenal’s trio of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Thomas Partey must outplay Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities, this clash offers high stakes for both sides as they aim to achieve contrasting objectives—Arsenal for the title race and Aston Villa for a top-four finish. Fans can expect an intense battle at the Emirates.
Players to Watch Out For
Arsenal:
Leandro Trossard
He is in fine form after scoring the winner against Tottenham midweek, without Saka and Jesus, he is the best attacker.
Aston Villa:
Ollie Watkins
He remains Villa’s main goal threat, and would trouble Arsenal’s defense.
Players Out
Arsenal:
Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are unavailable due to injuries.
Aston Villa:
Pau Torres, John McGinn, Ross Barkley are sidelined.
Probable Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans, Onana; Rogers, Watkins, Ramsey
Form
Arsenal: Undefeated in their last 11 Premier League matches and unbeaten in 13 home games since April.
Aston Villa: Three consecutive wins across all competitions but inconsistent performances in the league.
Head to Head
In their last ten league meetings:
Arsenal have lost five times to Aston Villa.
However, they won their earlier encounter this season 2-0 at Villa Park.
Key Stats
Arsenal are unbeaten in 44 matches across all competitions when scoring first since December 2023.
Aston Villa have conceded from their opponent's first shot on target in 11 Premier League games this season.
Both teams have scored in six of Arsenal’s last nine league matches.