Arsenal entertain Aston Villa in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s team climbed up to second place in the top-flight standings after coming from behind to defeat arch-rivals Tottenham 2-1 on Wednesday night.
That triumph has seen the Gunners move to within four points of Premier League pacesetters Liverpool, who will have fulfilled their fixture at Brentford before this game gets under way later in the day.
Irrespective of what happens across town at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, Arsenal can expect a stern test when Aston Villa pitch up in the capital.
The Villians spoiled David Moyes’ homecoming by earning a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Everton on Wednesday night.
Consequently, Unai Emery’s side are currently occupying seventh position in the Premier League table, just three points adrift of fourth-placed Newcastle.
How the bookies view it: Gunners to get the job done
Arsenal – who have won four of their last five Premier League matches – are firm 4/9 favourites on Boylesports.
Aston Villa are as big as 5/1 on Boylesports to emerge from the Emirates victorious, while the draw is also considered improbable at 16/5 with the same oddsmaker.
Head to head: Hope for Villa
Aston Villa claimed top honours from both Premier League meetings between the pair last season, severely denting Arsenal's title hopes in the process.
However, the Gunners did gain some revenge with a 2-0 victory at Villa Park earlier this season.
Players to watch: Martin to make his mark?
Martin Odegaard has registered a shot on target in each of his last two outings for Arsenal, making him an appealing option to repeat the trick here at 27/25 on UniBet.
Ollie Watkins netted his ninth Premier League goal of the season against Everton in midweek. The Aston Villa ace is an eye-catching 3/1 on Boylesports to get in on the act again at the Emirates on Saturday evening.
Predicted line-ups
As was the case against Tottenham on Wednesday night, Arsenal again look set to be without Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Aston Villa also have a busy medical room at the moment, with the likes of John McGinn, Pau Torres and Ross Barkley all ruled out of this capital clash.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Rogers, Tielemans, Bailey; Watkins
Anything else catch the eye?
Priced up at 19/20 on Boylesports, I’m more than happy to back both teams to score at the Emirates on Saturday evening.
BTTS would have been the correct selection in six of Arsenal's last nine Premier League matches, including each of their previous three assignments.
The same play would have also proven profitable in five of Aston Villa’s last eight top-flight matches, making a repeat here an attractive value option at the odds on offer.
This English Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa will be played on Jan 18, 2025 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Aston Villa prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
