Villa face their third tough game in a row, but gave Manchester United an almighty scare last time they played at Villa Park, and Saturday’s match should be equally exciting.
Here are they five key battles to look out for…
Christian Benteke vs Thomas Vermaelen
With Keiran Gibbs likely to be restored to the starting line-up, you would expect Thomas Vermaelen to move back into the centre of defence at the expense of Mertesacker or Koscielny. Christian Benteke has come on a great deal in recent matches for Villa, scoring the goal against Norwich, before turning provider against Sunderland and Manchester United. Vermaelen will be all to aware of his Belgian teammate’s ability, and if he is in any doubt about his physical presence, I’m sure Chris Smalling will be able to fill him in.
Ron Vlaar vs Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman has finally found his scoring touch at Arsenal, and his ability in the air brings a whole new threat to Arsenal’s attacks. Villa captain Vlaar will likely be the man who marshals Giroud, and he will need to be at his best to stop the Arsenal striker maintaining his impressive recent form.
Enda Stevens vs Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
With Theo Walcott ruled out with injury, Oxlade-Chamberlain will likely be the man to deputise on the right flank. Stevens has had a baptism of fire in Premier League football, with his first two starts against Manchester United and then Manchester City. He did well against Valencia in the first match, but has another tough challenge if he starts against Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the England winger looking to swing in the crosses for Giroud to attack.
Stephen Ireland vs Mikel Arteta
Ireland was impressive in both initially stifling Paul Scholes and setting up Villa attacks when they faced Manchester United recently, and he could be called upon to do a similar job in this match. Mikel Arteta has been the base of Arsenal’s attacking play this season, and Ireland will have an important role in getting close to the Spaniard to make it harder for Arsenal to find their rhythm. Ireland also has plenty of ability going forward, and could do well against Arsenal’s often porous defence.
Ashley Westwood/Barry Bannan vs Santi Cazorla
Villa have not been entirely consistent in their choices of central midfielders, and Lambert has a huge decision to make over who will play in that position this weekend. Arsenal will be looking to control play through Wilshere, Cazorla and Arteta, and Villa will need someone to stay close to Cazorla in particular. The summer signing has been central to Arsenal’s attacking play all season, and if Villa don’t get a hold of him on Saturday, there’s every chance they come away with nothing. Bannan and Westwood have started the previous two games, and if they play again, both will need to keep an eye on Cazorla.
image: © little-pete
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