Premier League Preview: ASTON VILLA vs ARSENAL
Both Aston Villa and Arsenal are under immense pressure going into this game, as they look to get their season back on track. Their recent record has not been satisfactory to say the least, and both sides are looking to avoid back-to-back defeats. Villia
lost 2-0 to Blackburn Rovers last week, while Arsene Wenger’s team lost 3-2 at home to Noth London rivals Tottenham Hotspur after throwing away a 2-0 lead.
The match also sees the return of former Gunner Robert Pires, who will line up against his old club, where he spent most of his illustrious career. The 37-year-old recently signed a one-year contract at Villa Park, and is expected to play some part in the
game. Pires may not have the same pace as he did in his younger days, but the Frenchman will bring loads of experience and creativity in midfield.
Aston Villa have a very poor record against Arsenal at Villa Park. They have not beaten the Gunners since December 1998, when they came back from a 2-0 half time deficit to win 3-2.
Aston Villa Team News
Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is a major doubt because of illness. The 24-year-old also missed the training on Friday. However his strike partner John Carew, returns after a four game absence due to a calf injury.
Defender James Collins has also recovered from a calf problem and is certain to play, but rookie midfielder Jonathan Hogg is doubtful after he picked up ankle injury against Blackburn Rovers. The 21-year-old midfielder has emerged as a star after his consistent
performances this season, and his absence will be a major blow. Robert Pires, who had been training with Arsenal before signing for Villa, is tipped to be included in the squad. If he plays, it will be interesting to see how he fares against the club, where
he still respected and maintains the status of a legend.
Squad: Brad Friedel, Luke Young, Ciaran Clark, Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock, Stephen Ireland, Jonathan Hogg, Barry Bannan, Stewart Downing, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew, James Collins, Robert Pires, Nathan Delfouneso, Chris
Herd, Guzan, Osbourne, Eric Lichaj, Shane Lowry.
Arsenal Team News
Cesc Fabregas is out with yet another hamstring injury. He is expected to be out for couple of weeks, and is expected to be back in action against Manchester United on 13 December. While midfielder Emmanuel Eboue has a knee ligament strain and will be out
for up to eight weeks.
However, there is some good news for Wenger. Strikers Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin will return to squad after being rested for the Champions League game against Braga. Left full-back Gael Clichy and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia may also return to action
after shaking off their back and elbow problems respectively.
Other long-term term injures include midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) and Centre-half Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles), who remain out. Nineteen-year-old midfielder Aaron Ramsey has joined Championship club Nottingham Forest on loan till January after recovering
from his horrific leg injury against Stoke last season.
Squad: Lukasz Fabianski, Manuel Almunia, Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Gael Clichy, Sebastien Squillaci, Bacary Sagna, Samir Nasri, Alex Song, Jack Wilshere, Thomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner,
Wojciech Szczesny, Denilson, Johan Djourou, Marouane Chamakh, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Andrei Arshavin, Robin Van Persie.
Match Prediction: Aston Villa 1 – 1 Arsenal
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