Arsenal vs Aston Villa prediction, lineups, odds and betting tips

Mikel Arteta has managed to get his Arsenal side performing as one of the top contenders for the Premier League title this season.

After hitting a run of form, the Gunners have not looked back and appear to be untouchable as of late. After drawing to Bayern Munich last time out, Arsenal now return to Premier League action as they are set to host a side who are shaping out as serious contenders for a Top 4 finish (best price 9/4 on bet365).

Villa were able to start off their quarter-finals in the Europa Conference League in positive fashion with a 2-1 win over Lille, but Arsenal are a severe step up in quality for Unai Emery’s side.

Given that Aston Villa have only picked up five points from their last five league fixtures, it is absolutely crucial they turn the screw to secure Champions League football next season.

The importance of leaving this fixture with at least a point grows even stronger for Emery’s side when comparing Villa’s form to the likes of Spurs who currently seem favourites to hold their position in the Top 4.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa Prediction

Apart from their 0-0 draw at the Etihad, Arsenal have made the league seem relatively easy as of late. The Gunners are currently 11 games undefeated in the league, one of the many reasons they have become one of the leading contenders to lift the title at the end of the season.

Their attacking form combined with an impressive defensive structure has seen them become the most in-form team in the league over the last 10 games, scoring a whopping 33 goals whilst conceding just four, picking up 28 points along the way.

Whereas Arsenal show consistency, Villa certainly don’t, and it’s tough to predict what sort of Villa side we may see here. During their last head-to-head back in December, Villa were able to see off Sunday’s hosts and win the game 1-0. However, when basing judgement off recent form it is hard to see this result repeating itself here.

At times, Villa can come across as a strong outfit, capable of scoring a multitude of goals. However, Emery’s side have appeared vulnerable at the back recently and dropped costly points to teams such as West Ham and Brentford.

One individual who will be extremely threatening towards this defence is Bukayo Saka. With the Englishman scoring two in his last two games, the winger arrives in great form and stands a good chance at getting on the scoresheet.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa Lineups

How are both teams expected to line up on Sunday? Here are the predicted lineups for both sides from WhoScored.com.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa

Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal

Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Bailey, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers; Diaby; Watkins

Martin Odegaard is a firm favourite at Arsenal and is set to lead his teammates against Aston Villa (

Image:

Getty Images)

Arsenal vs Aston Villa Betting Tips

Bukayo Saka to Score Anytime @ 6/4 (Paddy Power)

Arsenal have shown that each and every player on their side is capable of impacting the score sheet as of late. However, someone who consistently seems to get involved is Saka.

I think he stands the strongest chance at finding the back of the net against this Villa defence on Paddy Power. He can be backed at an even higher price in the ‘First Goalscorer’ market at 5/1.

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