Is Arsenal finally finding consistency?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa is a real mid-table duel in the Premier League. That’s mainly because Arsenal have recently fallen back into old problems after a good spell.
Before the Arsenal vs Aston Villa game, the betting odds definitely show Arsenal as favourites going into the game. The problem with that is that it’s not an indicator of a win. After all, the Gunners were also favourites against Crystal Palace last time out, but failed to win the game for themselves.
The pressure is definitely on the hosts from London, then, while Aston Villa can try to expose the problems at the hosts. Kick-off at the Emirates is at 9pm on Friday night.
Arsenal – statistics & current form
It could have all gone so well again so quickly for Arsenal FC this season. After the three defeats at the start, Arsenal won three times in a row, played against Brighton 0-0, which can happen. However, the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Monday was unacceptable. After a good start, the Gunners completely stopped playing football and only equalised shortly before the end.
It was thanks to Joker Lacazette that Arsenal equalised at all. The Gunners have scored seven goals so far this season, only three teams have fewer goals to their name.
Arsenal must now try to finally get consistency in their own performances. The change between appealing and frustrating phases is the big problem and if that doesn’t improve quickly, there will be no place in the European Cup ranks.
Arsenal: Aston Villa are dangerous at the Emirates
Besides the poor attacking this season, it should at least be noted that the defence has looked solid in recent weeks. Arsenal played to nil on several occasions and also let Crystal Palace off for long periods before inviting their opponents back.
One factor that may play a role ahead of this game is that the Eagles not infrequently look good at the Emirates. Arsenal have lost four of their last ten games against Crystal Palace at this stadium. Goals are often guaranteed, seven times in a row three or more goals were scored in this duel.
Because the hosts lack consistency and have not looked very balanced lately, our prediction before the match between Arsenal and Aston Villa is that both teams will score. On a good day, the hosts are also capable of playing out their role as favourites.
Predicted Arsenal line-up:
Ramsdale – Tomiyasu, Gabriel, White, Tierney – Partey, Lokonga, Ödegaard, Smith Rowe, Martinelli – Aubameyang
Last matches played by Arsenal:
Premier League
10/18 2021 – Arsenal London 2 – 2 Crystal Palace
10/02 2021 – Brighton 0 – 0 Arsenal London
09/26 2021 – Arsenal London 3 – 1 Tottenham
Carabao Cup
09/22 2021 – Arsenal London 3 – 0 AFC Wimbledon
Premier League
09/18 2021 – Burnley 0 – 1 Arsenal London
Aston Villa – Statistics & current form
For Aston Villa, after an absolutely average start to the season, there is now a chance to overtake Arsenal FC and manoeuvre themselves back into a better position in the Premier League. For the visitors, it is also not yet clear exactly where the journey is going.
At the weekend, there were again very good approaches, but in the end a 2:3 defeat at home against Wolves, with which nobody could really be satisfied. On top of that, the visitors from Birmingham have lost five of their last eight games in the Premier League. Now Arsenal are not a home power, but that is still a factor to consider.
That, coupled with the quality Arsenal theoretically possess, means that ahead of Arsenal v Aston Villa, our value tip is for the hosts to win the game.
Aston Villa: More compact than last time
Aston Villa offered too much against Wolverhampton. So the compactness must improve again if a win, or at least a point, is to come out of it. Aston Villa showed that they can defend in their win against Manchester United (1:0), so Arsenal should definitely be warned.
Furthermore, apart from the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea FC away from home, the visitors have scored at least one goal in every game this season. Five times they have even scored two or more goals in a match. So if Arsenal have an offensively lively day, this game could well be a high-scoring one.
The quality is there, plus Aubameyang has scored in the last three games in a row at the Emirates this season and is in good form. In the run-up to the Arsenal vs Aston Villa game, our prediction is that both teams will score goals.
Predicted Aston Villa line-up:
Martinez – Konsa, Mings, Hause – Cash, McGinn, Nakamba, Targett – Buendia – Watkins, Ings
Last matches played by Aston Villa:
Premier League
10/16 2021 – Aston Villa 2 – 3 Wolverhampton
10/03 2021 – Tottenham 2 – 1 Aston Villa
09/25 2021 – Manchester United 0 – 1 Aston Villa
Carabao Cup
09/22 2021 – Chelsea London (4)1 – 1(3) Aston Villa
Premier League
09/18 2021 – Aston Villa 3 – 0 Everton
Arsenal – Aston Villa Direct comparison / H2H record
These two teams have already faced each other in 197 matches. So it is definitely a traditional duel in English football. With 83:69 victories, Arsenal have the lead in the direct comparison, but the situation is not completely clear. 45 games have ended in a draw and in recent years Aston Villa have often managed to annoy Arsenal a little.
Arsenal – Aston Villa Tip
Arsenal have only really covered themselves in glory at one stage this season. Otherwise, much has been piecemeal. Against Aston Villa, the Arteta eleven, which so far has left a lot to be desired, especially offensively, will have to step it up a gear
The hosts are the favourites, but a win depends on many factors. Based on the last impressions of both teams, our tip before the Arsenal vs Aston Villa match is that both teams will score goals.
