Aston Villa vs Arsenal Match Preview, Free Bets & Betting Tips

Arsenal will be desperate for a quick pick-me-up when they travel to face Aston Villa in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Villa Park.

After a damaging 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in midweek, the Gunners have relinquished their advantage in the title race courtesy of goal difference, albeit they have a game in hand over City.

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Mikel Arteta’s men have picked up a solitary point from a maximum nine in their past three games, and they will pit their wits against Villa who are ensconced in mid-table.

Villa, of course, were woeful last time out against City, and they have conceded three goals or more in their past two home matches.

This is simply a must-win for the Gunners, but how will this match unravel? We have dived into the markets and picked out a couple of juicy tips for you to sink your teeth into.

It’s amazing to think the Gunners had been surpassed in the table by City for the first time since November 5.

While the first half of the season was spectacular for the north London outfit, Arteta’s charges have dropped more points in the past couple of weeks than at any other stage of the campaign, and it could prove to be costly.

Of course, Villa have been below par, but as far as Unai Emery is concerned, he will relish the opportunity to remind his former employers what a stellar manager he is.

Results have been mixed, but they have delivered at times against the Premier League’s powerhouses, most notably there was a fine 3-1 win over Manchester United in November.

Villa won’t roll out the red carpet, and this could well see the points shared which could spell more trouble for the Gunners. I have a hunch it will be a draw and both teams to score, a price that is available at 7/2 with Paddy Power.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Predictions

Predicting Arsenal to stumble in Birmingham

Ollie Watkins to strike late

Although this campaign hasn’t been as prolific as last season, Ollie Watkins is one of those devilish strikers who can make a nuisance of himself and ruffle a few feathers. He is direct, boasts bags of pace, and he likes to get his shots off early.

To date, Watkins has netted six times in the league, but he has scored in each of his past three games.

Two of those came in losing causes, but Watkins is hungry, and he could well keep Aaron Ramsdale busy.

Watkins could rescue a point for Villa with a strike in the dying embers of the game. If you fancy Watkins to net the last goal of the game, then he is currently trading at an inviting looking price of 8/1 with bet365.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Tips

Ollie Watkins is the top scorer for the home team

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