The Birmingham club left a mixed impression last season. On one hand, they had a decent debut in the Champions League, losing out only to PSG in the playoffs in the spring. On the other, they failed to secure another Champions League spot, conceding fifth place in the Premier League to Newcastle on additional criteria.
This season, they are playing in the Europa League, where they’re looking quite good. Last week, they also beat Young Boys 2-1. Domestically, they had a poor start: quickly knocked out of the League Cup and took only three points from the first five rounds. But after that, they won against all Premier League opponents except the suddenly revived Liverpool. They also beat Brighton this week, even if it was 4-3.
The capital giants have finished second in the Premier League three times now—first behind Manchester City, then losing out to Liverpool. But now they are rightfully the clear favorite, rarely dropping points—apart from matches against previous champions, there was only a 2-2 draw with Sunderland. However, they thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in the derby! True, Chelsea, even with a man down, held on for a 1-1 draw. They beat Brentford 2-0. Meanwhile, they also took maximum points in the Champions League, even defeating Bayern 3-1.
Emery’s team is averaging 1.43 goals scored and concedes about one per game. The Premier League leaders boast fitting stats: 1.93 goals scored and just 0.5 conceded on average.
Aston Villa have won twelve of their last fourteen matches
43% of Aston Villa’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.43
Arsenal have failed to win three matches since the start of the season
36% of Arsenal’s matches end with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.43.
Aston Villa (possible lineup): Martinez – Digne, Pau Torres, Konsa, Cash – Buendia, Tielemans, Kamara, McGinn – Watkins, Rogers.
Arsenal (possible lineup): Raya – Calafiori, Hincapié, Saliba, Timber – Rice, Zubimendi, Trossard, Eze, Saka – Merino.
In the last four head-to-head meetings, the London giants have managed only one win while losing twice.
