PL: Aston Villa v Arsenal

Early bells!

Arsenal begin the weekend with a trip to Villa Park to face red hot Aston Villa. The first game of the Premier League weekend will be a battle between first and third place in the table.

Unai Emery has overcome a difficult start this season, and he’s now gone unbeaten in his last six matches across all competitions. Most recently, his Villa side defeated Brighton 4-3 to climb within six points of the Gunners. Villa may be without goalie Emi Martinez, but he will be a matchday decision. Villa will look Ollie Watkins and John McGinn to provide the threat. At the back, Villa have been open this season, and they will need their home crowd behind them to steal the points.

Mikel Arteta’s side won this fixture last year, but they know this will be tough. On short  rest, and even further depleted in defense, this will be a real test of the Arsenal squad away from home. Late fitness checks for Cristhian Mosquera and William Saliba may ease his concerns in the backline, but all eyes are on Declan Rice, who hobbled off against Brentford. Rice has been arguably the standout player for Arsenal this campaign, and his loss, coupled with the crisis in central defense, will fill Villa with confidence.

Will Arsenal battle to another three points? Or will Unai Emery get the better of his old side? Join us bright and early at Dillon’s! We’ll crack some eggs and beers, and then we’ll sing our hearts out.

VCC


UTA

KEEP THE FAITH ✊