Arsenal vs Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[aj2k77]

With The El Maestro of the forum returning it can mean only one result. A little INSIGHT beforehand should narrow down exactly who, when and how we will do them. Then I'll have a little bet on it.

[Toronto Villa]

Malen available for tomorrow’s game. Diego not available…

[Louzie0]

Good news about Malen, I’m looking forward to seeing him in action for the mighty Villa.

I think we’ve sold Diego so he’s moving on?

[PaulWinch again]

I’m pleased Unai has signposted that Malen is here to help get behind opposition defences. That is 100% what we have missed since Diaby left.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Shouldn't really be playing them as they cheated their way into the top division in the first place.
Anyway, as that was over 100 years ago and it doesn't look likely to be overturned now I will predict Lucky Arsenal 0 Mighty Villa 2 (Malen, Watkins)

[Olneythelonely]

New Year warm wishes to everyone.
Let's have a fantastic and blessed 2025
My prediction
0-1 away win
Watkins with the goal.
He's scored 3 goals in 4 games at Emirates stadium
UTV!

This is wonderful news. Welcome back!

[john e]

The goal Watkins scored there last season was in the top 3 best if not the best he’s scored for us
Another one of those will be most welcome

[VillaTim]

Given the fixture pile up I can see Emery starting Duran possibly with an eye on Monaco Tuesday .

[brontebilly]

After Watkins scored the winner v Everton, Id nearly start Duran. Not sure we are playing well enough to trouble Arsenal away at the moment. Anyway get stuck in and see what happens. Could give Maatsen another go and possibly Bailey.

Martinez
Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen
Rogers, Kamara, Onana, Ramsey
Tielemans, Duran

[john e]

Doesn’t matter who starts for me and it’s down to Unai anyway as always

Watkins has a good record against Arsenal and they will be scared of him and what he can do especially after last season
Psychologically he it might get into their heads a bit, so I see that as a strength

Obviously Durán will be fresh so there’s a good case for either
I’ll trust Unai make the right decision, personally I think he will start with Ollie

1-1

[ChicagoLion]

Probably be the opposite to the Everton game where we dominated possession.
I think it will be the same starting X1 but expect more subs used.

[BoVillan esq]

Stand tall boys, don't bend, don't back down......2-1 the lads

[wince]

With The El Maestro of the forum returning it can mean only one result. A little INSIGHT beforehand should narrow down exactly who, when and how we will do them. Then I'll have a little bet on it.

Welcome back FV. I hope the new firmware/destruction of Sarah and John Connor went well.

[RamboandBruno]

Probably be the opposite to the Everton game where we dominated possession.
I think it will be the same starting X1 but expect more subs used.

Yea agree, subs from 65 depending how the games going. Watkins has always been a bit streaky for us in terms of goalscoring runs, ultimate confidence player. Given that I think its more likely he starts this, with Duran starting against Monaco.

[Smithy]

Feels like a bit of a free hit. Away at any club with title aspirations always feels like anything you get is a bonus.

We have a decent record against them in recent years, but I’d be happy with a draw.

That said, I think the 0-2 at our place flattered them, and but for a couple of worldie saves by Raya and Emi pretty much chucking one in at our end, we should have got something from that game. So if the football gods are looking to even things up a bit… who knows..?