We all know Villa have a young squad on their hands and if they can get everyone playing together they can perform well, we’ve seen them in recent weeks (against United) put it together and challenge for points. They may well have a relegation battle on their hands this season but that’s through no fault of their own.

Last time at Villa Park, Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners. Arsenal aren’t on the best form recently but morale boosting wins against Spurs and Montpellier will give the Gunners great confidence of going to Villa and getting a win against a Villa side with 1 win in the last 5 games.

Threats

So what are the threats posed to us by Villa? Their biggest threat is arguably Christian Benteke, who has 4 goals in all competitions. He has arguably been their best player this season and is thought of as one of the best buys this summer.

Stephen Ireland is a name many of us know and he can definitely pose a threat if he plays to the same standard that made him a regular at Man City under Mark Hughes.

There are other players that can cause threats like Weimann, Bent and Agbonglahor, who have 4,3 and 2 goals in all competitions respectively.

Weaknesses

Villa as a side, are arguably weak at full backs. With Warnock out on loan it is clear that Lambert is showing faith in the young talents that he has on his hands.

The centre of midfield could also prove to be a weakness should Ireland not play to his maximum capability as the rest of Villa’s central midfield statistically and on form lacks desire.

Tactics

The best way of playing Villa is to spray the ball wide from the midfield and get bodies in the box this will hit Villa’s weaknesses and should exploit them, with Giroud’s form picking up he can be as much of a key as Cazorla and Wilshere.

Predicted Line Up

Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Ramsey, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud

Latest: