Aston Villa v Arsenal Pre-Match Thread

[manic-road]

1-0 Watkins

[Dave]

While there were plenty of positives for Arsenal in the midweek win at home to Brentford, one negative was two more additions to an already busy treatment room. As their north London rivals experienced last year, the most impactful part of Arsenal’s injury list is that they have been particularly hampered in one area: the defence.

The first hit to the best back four in the league came during the latest international break when Gabriel suffered an abductor issue while on duty with Brazil. The latest update from Arteta had him “weeks” away and his return may well come in the new year.

His centre-back partner William Saliba was a surprise absentee from the team sheet to face Chelsea last weekend having picked up a previously unreported ‘knock’ in training. That also kept him out against Brentford with Arteta describing it as “very bizarre”, although it is hoped the Frenchman can return this weekend.

To make matters worse, back-up centre-back Cristian Mosquera was subbed off in the first half against Brentford after contesting a header and perhaps most worryingly, the player was unable to tell his manager whether it was his knee or ankle that hurt.

Away from the defence, Arteta’s heart would have sunk when Declan Rice plonked himself on the deck late on against Brentford. Rice has started 13 of Arsenal’s 14 league games this year and nobody has provided more goals for the team this season, meaning any absence – even if only a game – will have a big impact.

After the game, Arteta was unable to diagnose the problem but said he “cannot play”. Further tests on Thursday will determine whether the England international will miss the trip to Villa this weekend.

The forward line is not free of injury either. Kai Havertz has been out since the opening weekend with a knee injury and a setback means his return will be later than initially hoped.

Leonardo Trossard is another player currently absent. He picked up a muscle injury against Bayern Munich but was expected to be fit for the Chelsea game. He has however not featured even on the bench yet.

[Stu]

Nah.

0-2

Same.

[PaulWinch again]

Super difficult game this.

[Demitri_C]

Massive game. A draw wouldn be  a goid result and i would take it

We know we can beat anyone at home. But arsenal were the only side to beat us at VP last year so we need to take them seriously

Lets do this!

[Pat Mustard]

This is the time to go all out for the win - whatever happens we aren't dropping below 5th (and probably 4th) this weekend, but we can put ourselves in striking distance of top.  Absolutely FTF, 2-0 by half-time and 3-1 final score.