Arsenal host Birmingham side, Aston Villa on Sunday. Both teams are coming off the back of victories in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend. Arsenal are on a four game winning streak and another win could well move them back into those lucrative Champions’ League spots, depending on other results.
Villa however have failed to win in their last seven matches and have struggled big time for goals, only scoring one in their last five.
An interesting fact in this tie is that Arsenal have scored five goals in their last two games against Villa. Surprisingly all of these goals have been between the 32nd and 36th minute.
Arsenal however have failed to win three in a row all season in the Premier League but this is a good chance to end that streak.
Injury news
Arsenal’s talisman Alexis Sanchez is a doubt for the game. In a press conference during the week, Arsene Wenger revealed that the Chilean sustained a hamstring injury and will be tested before the match. This is a blow to Arsenal as he has been our star player all season, contributing to over half of the goals for the North London outfit this season.
The Gunners will also have to play without England internationals Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) and Danny Welbeck (thigh). Serge Gnabry is also out as he has just returned from a major injury.
Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Captain Mikel Arteta (ankle) remain out for the game at the Emirates alongside long term injury Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder). Young Spaniard Hector Bellerin is also a doubt with an ankle injury he picked up.
Team Shape
I would assume Ospina will return to goal this weekend. He hasn’t really been tested too much since he took over from Szczesny however the Pole’s uninspired performance last week will probably keep him out of the team.
Chambers is the likely candidate to start on the right with the reliable pairing of Koscielny and Mertesacker in the centre. Nacho Monreal has been in great form this season as of late so expect him to keep his position on the left of defence.
In midfield I would presume Coquelin will remain our holding midfield following his excellent form. Ramsey seems likely to start alongside the Frenchman in midfield. I would think Rosicky and Theo Walcott will start on either wing tomorrow. Rosicky is likely to keep his place following his man of the match performance against Brighton while Wenger may try to give some game time to Theo who is returning from a length injury.
Cazorla will almost certainly play in a central position due to his sparking form and Giroud is set to spearhead the attack.
Line-up
Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Walcott, Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud
Prediction
Arsenal are playing some great football at the moment and I would expect them to have too much power to be upset by Villa. With the like of Ozil who could come on from the bench, Arsenal should be able to cause major problems for the Villa defence.
This is a must win for Arsenal tomorrow. With United winning today, it’s vital that we keep up the pressure on those above us for a place in the top four.
