English Premier League: Aston Villa vs Arsenal Preview
Team News
John Carew, the Aston Villa striker is available after being absent for four games. The Norwegian international had a calf problem which had him sidelined, however, he will return against the Gunners today. Carew has been the leading scorer for Aston Villa
for the past three seasons and has previously played for manager Gerrard Houllier at Lyon.
Defender James Collins is also expected to return today after missing the clash against Blackburn, which Villa lost 2-0. The player was also out with a calf injury. Johnathan Hogga, the young midfielder suffered an ankle injury at Blackburn and will be doubtful
for today’s match. He will be assessed before he is cleared to play.
Ex-Arsenal player, Robert Pires will face his former club. Villa manager Houllier confirmed that Pires would be included in the squad of 18 to face the Gunners. Pires is expected to bring experience and class to the Villa side, which will help them get better
results. His presence is thought to be especially important against Arsenal today, but that remains to be seen.
Arsenal will be without captain Cesc Fabregas, who has been ruled out for an estimated two-three weeks with a hamstring injury. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted his surprise over the Spaniard’s injury, insisting that he was not the sort of player who
picked up such injuries. However, Wenger was confident that his side could cope without the young captain.
Strikers Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin return for the Gunners, after being rested for the Champions League fixture against Braga during midweek. Their absence was felt as they stumbled to a 2-0 defeat and were unable to confirm their place in the
knock out stages of the European competition. They will have to wait until the last match of the group stages to learn their fate.
Gael Clichy could pass a late fitness test despite a back problem to travel to Villa Park. Same is with goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who is having trouble with his elbow. However, Thomas Vermaelen and Abou Diaby are sidelined with injury, Achilles and ankle
respectively. Aaron Ramsey has been loaned out to Nottingham Forest for the rest of the season.
Match Facts
Only one out of the last eight meetings between the two, ended as a home win.
Arsenal players Abou Diaby has scored four goals in the last six appearances against Aston Villa.
In the last three out of five Premier League meetings between Arsenal and Aston Villa, there has been a goal scored in the 90th minute.
As manager of Liverpool, Gerard Houllier won 3 and lost 4 out of the 12 Premier League fixtures against Arsenal.
Aston Villa have only won just one of the last 23 league matches against the Gunners.
Aston Villa have a poor home record against Arsene Wenger’s side, having not won any of the last 11 home against the Gunners.
Arsenal have picked up 14 points in the Premier League from away games, more than any other side.
In 2010, Aston Villa have lost one and drawn 10 if their 16 Premier League home games.
There has not been a single red card in any of the Aston Villa games in the Premier League, Arsenal however, have produced 8 red cards.
All but one of Villa’s 10 goals at home this season in the Premier League have either involved Ashley Young or Stewart Downing, goal or assist.
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