Arsenal v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[St AustellAVFC]

3-1 win. A goal each for SJM, Jack and Guilbert.

[alanclare]

Man City’s 8-goal fest against Watford is an indicator of the wide gulf between “them” and us. Let’s pray that a similar pasting doesn’t happen to us this afternoon.

[Ads]

Man City’s 8-goal fest against Watford is an indicator of the wide gulf between “them” and us. Let’s pray that a similar pasting doesn’t happen to us this afternoon.

It's an indicator that a billion pound squad like Man City has, is significantly better than Watford, us, Arsenal and everybody bar Liverpool.

They finished 28 points above Arsenal last season, who finished closer to 14th than Man City.

The week before Arsenal chucked away a 2-0 lead and conceded 31 chances against Watford.

We may likely be beaten, maybe well beaten as they're much better at home, but let's not pretend they're even remotely close to Man City or even the best side we've played this season.

[Axl Rose]

Man City’s 8-goal fest against Watford is an indicator of the wide gulf between “them” and us. Let’s pray that a similar pasting doesn’t happen to us this afternoon.

I wouldn't worry, Alan.

I watched that Man City game, and although they were on another planet to Watford, Watford didn't help themselves defensively. They were atrocious, no passion, no communication...they look down already in my opinion. Their midfield also had a shocker.

We on the other hand look well organised defensively. It's been the most impressive thing about our return to the Premier League.

We may well lose, but we won't lose 8-0.

[villabear]

Lose? Nah, I’m going so an extremely optimistic 1-2 for me 🤔

[Hookeysmith]

Someone told me it was live on Amazon prime

Anyone confirm?

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

I think we can get something out of this game. The Arses have a soft underbelly; if everybody does their job and I include Deano in that, we may surprise a few people. Heaton to be MoM. Come on Villa boys! UTV!

[danno]

Someone told me it was live on Amazon prime

Anyone confirm?

Someone's pulling your leg.  Amazon only have games beginning on the 3rd December.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?node=17025299031&ref=dvm_uk_sl_gen%7Cc_80470588524503_m_P7qPV0OG-dt_s_

[Clampy]

I'd be tempted to throw in Hourihane but that would mean taking away an attacking threat which is the one area we are lacking at the moment so it's a tough one to call. That said, West Ham caught us on the break a couple of times last week and they only had 10 men.

I think they might have too much for us but I think it will be closer than some people are suggesting.

[Rudy65]

I'd be tempted to throw in Hourihane but that would mean taking away an attacking threat which is the one area we are lacking at the moment so it's a tough one to call. That said, West Ham caught us on the break a couple of times last week and they only had 10 men.

I think they might have too much for us but I think it will be closer than some people are suggesting.

Exactly my thinking. Drop Jota. Get SJM further forward to support Wesley

It will be backs  to the wall for long periods but Arse fell apart second half last week and their defence is poor. We need to get at them

[SoccerHQ]

I'd be tempted to throw in Hourihane but that would mean taking away an attacking threat which is the one area we are lacking at the moment so it's a tough one to call. That said, West Ham caught us on the break a couple of times last week and they only had 10 men.

I think they might have too much for us but I think it will be closer than some people are suggesting.

Given the lack of goals I actually think it's harder to justify starting three attacking players atm.

I do think a decent move would be bringing in Hourihane or Luiz, playing extra man in midfield and then having maybe Trezeguet off Wesley.

Keep Jota and El Ghazi as second half subs if we're still in the game.

[Flin5tone]

I assumed with the KO time today it was on Sky, just found out it isn't. Any idea if it's on elsewhere?

[The Edge]

I assumed with the KO time today it was on Sky, just found out it isn't. Any idea if it's on elsewhere?

Arsenal tv or AVTV. Failing that it should be out there on tinterweb somewhere.

[supertom]

Hourihane in, with Marvelous and McGinificent.
Grealish to play the left of the front 3. Jack is not a central midfielder. You play him as a 10, or you play him as a 'free' wideman. He's been poor this season, but where he's being played isn't helping. Probably AEG on the right to provide some pace along that side with Guilbert.
I'd actually be tempted to give Davis a game. Just to rough it around a bit and get others in the game. But SJM and Conor would need to break beyond him.

We need Arsenal to have one of those 'Arsenal' days. The kind that means they're a million miles from the top spot because they can't beat bottom end sides they should be roasting. What we don't want is them to have the other type of Arsenal day when they're pinging it around for fun an shit us 5-0 with barely a bead of sweat lost (see FA Cup Final 2015).

[SamTheMouse]

I agree with that. In fact, I'd like to see Jack pushing up and staying close to Wesley.