ARSENAL'S Premier League title hopes have suffered some savage blows over the last couple of weeks and the Gunners desperately need to get back on track in this tricky away day at Aston Villa.
The Gunners were odds-on favourites for the title after following up a 2-0 derby win at Tottenham with an epic 3-2 victory at home to Manchester United last month.
With champions Manchester City wobbling, Mikel Arteta's side looked to be motoring towards glory but their form has been dismal since then, going four games without a win in all competitions.
Three of those matches have ended in defeats, the latest coming in midweek as City triumphed 3-1 at Etihad to bust the coupon of our man Mark. That victory sent Pep Guardiola's men back to the top on goal difference, although Arsenal still have a game in hand.
Arteta insisted his side's display against the champions gave him even more belief in his side's title bid but those words will be hollow if the Gunners flop again in the Midlands.
Aston Villa certainly have the firepower to cause them a few problems, with Unai Emery's side scoring in their last 11 games, including a consolation at the Etihad last weekend that brought up my BTTS tip.
Inconsistency remains Villa's biggest problem, despite results picking up since Emery replaced Steven Gerrard. They have only won back-to-back games once this season and also need a response in this clash after losing their last two matches.
How the bookies view it
Despite their recent wobble, Arsenal are odds-on favourites for a win at a best 13/15 with SBK. Aston Villa will tempt a few punters at 7/2 with Unibet while the draw pays 14/5 at SBK.
Recent head to head
Arsenal have held the edge in this fixture of late, winning six of the last nine and losing the other three. There hasn't been a draw between these sides since a 0-0 stalemate back in 2012. The Gunners won 1-0 at Villa Park on their last visit, with Bukayo Saka netting the winner.
Players to watch
Our man Gabriel cashed in by backing Ollie Watkins to score against Leicester earlier this month and the in-form striker now has three goals in his last three games. He's 18/5 with Unibet to add to that tally here, which looks a bit overpriced.
Skipper Martin Odegaard has chipped in with eight goals for Arsenal this season and always carries a goal threat. The Norwegian midfielder has gone five games without scoring so it's due a goal at 10/3 with Bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both these sides scoring freely of late, I'm surprised to see BTTS as big as 49/50 with SBK and that looks well worth a bet based on the stats. Over 2.5 goals also appeals at evens with Unibet with neither team looking convincing in defence.
This fixture has been pretty fiery of late, with five cards or more in the last four meetings. Over 3.5 cards looks good at 17/20 with Paddy Power and the odds increase to 31/20 at Unibet for over 4.5 cards.
Boubacar Kamara is Aston Villa's midfield enforcer and Unibet price the Frenchman at a tempting 29/20 to commit over 1.5 fouls.
This English Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal will be played on Feb 18, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
