Aston Villa welcome Arsenal to Villa Park on Saturday in the early kick-off in the Premier League. Neither side has been on top form recently, with Villa losing four of their last six and the Gunners earning just two wins in five.
Both teams were on the receiving end of unlikely scores in midweek, as Aston Villa went down 3-1 at home to West Ham, with Dean Smith’s side comprehensively outworked and outplayed, in contrast to their performances of only a month or two back when they briefly threatened the sides in European spots.
David Luiz and Bernd Leno were both dismissed, though the club have suggested they will appeal the former’s suspension after it created more controversy over the use of VAR and interpretation of the rules by referees. In the meantime, the Gunners must find the right solutions in attack as they have only scored once in the last two matches after previously netting three in back-to-back games.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
When is the match?
The game kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, 6 February at Villa Park.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate. It can also be streamed for subscribers via the BT Sport app and desktop website.
What was the team news?
Aston Villa are without centre-back Kortney Hause and striker Wesley. Dean Smith may look to make changes after a run of poor results, with Morgan Sanson potentially in line for his first start.
Arsenal are missing the suspended pair of Bernd Leno and David Luiz, while stand-in goalkeeper Mat Ryan is also a doubt – meaning Alex Runarsson will play in goal. Kieran Tierney is another likely absentee for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Confirmed line-ups
AST: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Traore, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins
ARS: Ryan; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Cedric; Thomas, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Saka; Lacazette
Aston Villa – 17/10
Draw – 45/17
Arsenal – 30/17
Prediction
Which Arsenal side will turn up? They looked good against Wolves until the final pass – then imploded to cost themselves at least a point. Villa will surely fancy their chances of getting a result if they attack enough to put pressure on a so-far shaky Runarsson in goal. Villa 2-2 Arsenal.
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