Match Preview: Arsenal vs Aston Villa (Premier League)

Match Details: Arsenal vs Aston Villa

Date: Saturday, 18 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

• Matches Played: 60
• Arsenal Wins: 27 (Home: 19 | Away: 8)
• Aston Villa Wins: 9 (Home: 5 | Away: 4)
• Draws: 20
  

Last 5 Matches:

• W | H | 2-1 vs Spurs
• D | A | 1-1 vs Brighton
• W | A | 3-1 vs Brentford
• W | H | 1-0 vs Ipswich
• W | A | 5-1 vs Crystal Palace

Arsenal’s form has been stellar, showcasing consistency and adaptability despite injuries to key players. Their recent unbeaten streak is a testament to Mikel Arteta’s tactical precision and squad depth.

Last 5 matches:

• W | A | 1-0 vs Everton
• W | H | 2-1 vs Leicester
• D | H | 2-2 vs Brighton
• L | A | 0-3 vs Newcastle
• W | H | 2-1 vs Man City

Aston Villa have bounced back from their defeat at Newcastle with disciplined and resilient performances, relying on their exciting attacking line and their structured midfield to secure crucial wins.

• Ethan Nwaneri: Muscular injury
• Bukayo Saka: Hamstring injury
• Takehiro Tomiyasu: Knee injury
• Benjamin White: Knee injury
• Riccardo Calafiori: Muscle issue (Doubt)
• Gabriel Jesus: Knee injury
  

• Pau Torres: Foot injury
• Ross Barkley: Calf injury
• Diego Carlos: Foot injury
• John McGinn: Hamstring injury
  

• Goalkeeper: David Raya
• Defenders: Myles Lewis-Skelly Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Jurriën Timber
• Midfielders: Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard (C), Thomas Partey
• Forwards: Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz
  

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (C)
• Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne
• Midfielders: Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans
• Forward: Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers
  

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has been a well-oiled machine, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair. Despite missing key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners have relied on Martin Ødegaard’s creativity and Declan Rice’s control in midfield. Leandro Trossard’s versatility and Gabriel Martinelli’s pace provide ample attacking options to trouble Villa’s backline.

Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have leaned on discipline and clinical finishing to grind out results. Ollie Watkins’ pace and movement in transition, combined with Morgan Rogers’ pace and skill, offer Villa a potent counter-attacking threat. Their midfield duo of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana will be pivotal in breaking up Arsenal’s rhythm and launching counters.

1. Declan Rice vs. Youri Tielemans - Rice’s physicality and defensive acumen will be crucial in nullifying Tielemans’ playmaking ability.

2. Leandro Trossard vs. Matty Cash - Trossard’s intelligent movement and creativity could exploit spaces, making Cash’s defensive positioning critical.

3. Ollie Watkins vs. William Saliba - Watkins’ sharp runs will test Saliba’s composure and defensive awareness in one-on-one situations.

Arsenal will dominate possession, using their high press and midfield dynamism to control the game. Villa, however, will aim to stay compact and hit on the breakthrough Watkins and Rogers. With both sides suffering from injuries, squad depth and tactical flexibility will play a significant role in deciding the outcome.

Arsenal’s home form and superior squad depth should give them the edge, but Villa’s recent performances suggest they won’t make it easy. Expect a competitive encounter under the lights at the Emirates.

Predicted Scoreline: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s last victory at the Emirates came in November 2020, when they secured a stunning 3-0 win. Can they repeat history, or will Arsenal maintain their stronghold at home?

Explore more betting promotions and new bet offers to find the best betting offers from Ladbrokes.

For outright predictions on the Premier League, check out our Betting Premier League Outright.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.