Arsenal may be top of the Premier League, but Aston Villa and Manchester City’s blistering form have them breathing down the necks of Mikel Arteta and his Gunners side.
Could we be in for a potential title decider on Tuesday night?
As things stand, Arsenal are top with 42 points, followed by City with 40, and then Villa with 39.
As Pep Guardiola’s side face Sunderland on New Year’s Day, this is the chance for Arsenal and Villa to gain a significant shift of momentum in the title race.
The Gunners survived a late scare as they scraped out a nervy 2-1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion, thanks to a goalkeeping masterclass from David Raya.
Embed from Getty ImagesMeanwhile, Ollie Watkins was the star of the show for Villa, as they battled back from 1-0 down to beat Chelsea 2-1.
When the two sides met in November at Villa Park, Emi Buendia gave Villa the three points in the 94th minute in a pulsating game that ended 2-1.
Embed from Getty ImagesArsenal vs Aston Villa: The Jolly Rogers in the Form of His Life
Embed from Getty ImagesThe England Midfielder has been the standout player of the season so far.
Seven goals, three assists, and an XG of 2.92. Is there anything this man can’t do at the moment?
He definitely starts at Number 10 for England at the World Cup, particularly if he carries on his good form and stays injury-free for the rest of the season.
Since making his debut against Sheffield United in February 2024, Rogers’s career in the past two years has taken a giant stride forward.
He and Watkins are the main reasons why Villa are well and truly alive in this title race.
The number 10 role suits him perfectly, because of his all-round attributes as a player.
He’s physical, can move in tight spaces, see passes that others may not see, and, more importantly, he can score all kinds of goals.
Though Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Jude Bellingham can also do those things, He seems to be the most consistent at doing so.
Will he make another impact at the Emirates?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Gabriel Returns, but Timber, Calafiori Out
Embed from Getty ImagesThe big news for the Gunners is that Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal’s most dependable centre back, is back in training and could be in contention to start alongside William Saliba at centre back.
Embed from Getty ImagesThough Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie have done a decent job in his absence, the Brazilian defender’s experience is on another level, which Arsenal need in the upcoming months.
However, Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out with a knee injury that he picked up while slipping over in the warm-up before the Brighton game.
Embed from Getty ImagesJurrien Timber is also a major doubt, as the Dutch full-back suffered an injury whilst landing awkwardly during an aerial challenge in the Brighton game.
It is still unclear as to whether he will be able to participate in Tuesday’s game, so let’s see.
Embed from Getty ImagesDon’t be surprised to see the England duo of Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly start on Tuesday.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs for the visitors, Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are suspended after picking up yellow cards against Chelsea.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa: What the Managers Say?
The Gunners boss is hoping that his side can learn from the painful defeat at Villa Park, and is confident they can produce a match-winning performance at the Emirates.
“I have a few ideas and things that we have to do better. And it was quite cruel, as well, the way we lost it. But yeah, we learned from it.”If you use that motivation and that hunger in the right manner, for sure.”
Arteta: The Guardian
Emery has raised the bar at the West Midlands club and is leaving no stone unturned ahead of tomorrow’s game. He also gave a brief insight into how the team has reached this point.
“Everything we are doing is because we have this potential,” “I am setting our standards high, the players are following it strongly. Then they are exploiting the capacity.”
Emery: Sky Sports
In their last eight meetings, Arteta has managed only two wins, the last of which came in August 2024, a 2-0 victory at Villa Park.
Embed from Getty ImagesLeandro Trossard and Thomas Partey were both on the scoresheet, as the Gunners took home all three points.
Arteta’s side is going to have to perform to their absolute best if they are to pick up three points against this quality Aston Villa side.
Score Prediction
This is a highly tricky one, but judging by the form of both sides, I’m going for a 2-2 draw; however, it wouldn’t surprise me if one of these teams grabs a late winner.
Who do you think will win?
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