Zidave's Preview: Aston Villa v Arsenal
Monday, 22 December 08, 11:52 PM
Aston Villa V Arsenal
Friday 26th, December
17:15 GMT
@ Villa Park
A game that could be deemed as the biggest game of the season for both Aston Villa and Arsenal. This is also a game that could potentially propel one club into the Champions League
and break the seemingly impenetrable grip that the Big Four have held for so long. It would give the the supporters something they have been desperate for... and after the appointment of
Martin O'Neill something that has left their mouths watering in the wake of his revelation. But while one club’s supporters will surely be hitting the bars every single day of the entire
summer in celebration, it could spell more than disaster for the other. Villa taking Arsenal’s spot in 4th would leave one word hanging at the mouth of every Arsenal fan in the
world… crisis. It would leave them without Champions League qualification and potentially unravel the team. They have struggled to hold onto their stars over the summer, most notably
their current club captain Cesc Fabregas and attacking talisman Emanuel Adebayor who are two players that could walk into any team's starting XI and are certainly not short of suitors.
Match Stats
Played: 18 v 18
Wins: 10 v 9
Draws: 4 v 4
Losses: 4 v 5
The only separation between Villa and Arsenal at the moment is 3 points. These were 3 points gained from a shock 2-0 result at the Emirates, Arsenal’s home turf. This should give
strong indication of the significance of this game. If Villa win and they will be a strong 6 points clear of Arsenal; Arsenal win and they will be even with Villa on points. This
match is clearly a ‘six-pointer.’
Goal Stats
For: 30 v 30
Against: 20 v 21
Goal Difference: 10 v 9
Both teams are very similar in terms of goals for. It shouldn't come as a surprise to see either side hitting the 30 mark at this stage of the season. Both Villa and Arsenal are arguably
two of the most exciting teams to watch in attack.
Last Six Games
Aston Villa:
0 – 1 West Ham - Aston Villa
3 – 1 Hamburg - Aston Villa
4 – 2 Aston Villa - Bolton
2 – 3 Everton - Aston Villa
1 – 2 Aston Villa - MSK Zilina
0 – 0 Aston Villa – Fulham
Villa are unbeaten in their last 6 in league. They have shown good character in their defense and the most exciting counter attack in the league. But they will be hoping for a fit
Martin Laursen after a knee pain complaint following the game at West Hamm.
Arsenal:
1 – 1 Arsenal – Liverpool
1 – 1 Middlesbrough – Arsenal
2 – 0 FC Porto – Arsenal
1 – 0 Arsenal – Wigan
2 – 0 Burnley – Arsenal
1 – 2 Chelsea – Arsenal
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 4 in league. However, they have arguably now lost any hope of the league title after failing to gain a win against Liverpool and in which seeing a ban
on Adebayore as well as an injured Cesc Fabregas.
Head to Head
This game shouldn’t be missed. It is a fixture of two teams that has been highly competitive in recent seasons, seeing Arsenal hold 3 wins, Villa with 1 and a total of 3 draws for both
since 2005/2006 season to current. Even in losing games Villa have been worthy opponents.
Key Players
Aston Villa:
Ashley Young: He has been in sizzling form. Scoring 3 goals in 3 games including 1 assist. While
not scoring at West Hamm he still terrorized their defense with his pace narrowly missing twice and hitting the post once. Easily one of the best wingers in the league at the moment. Look
for him to exploit Sagna who will be wanting to push forward on the attack, leaving space for Young to work down the left.
Gabriel Agbonlahor: This is a game of which both teams will be attacking, leaving a gap in the field. Gabby will be keen to exploit them
with his pace and Barry’s vision. Even more worrying for Arsenal’s defense is that he is 2nd in goals scored on the season with 9 and that is also including 4 assists.
Arsenal:
Robin Van Persie: After scoring a brilliant goal versus Liverpool putting his tally to 8 goals on the season, any defense should be
terrified of the player. He is a player who I hold as arguably one of the top 3 strikers in the league when fit. He has a bullet of a shot and a deadly volley rendering him capable
of scoring anywhere around the box.
Samir Nasri: A player who has come in this season and impressed. He has the pace to split defenders and an excellent shot in
addition to his dribbling. With Fabregas’s absence he will be Arsenal’s talisman in the midfield.
Watch for: Counter attacks
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