Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Arteta’s side face massive game against Villans as hunt for Premier League title goes on
ARSENAL welcome Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa TODAY as they look to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners went toe-to-toe with German champions Bayern Munich on Tuesday, and the return leg could be on their minds as Villa visit the Emirates.
Arsenal need to win in Germany after drawing 2-2 but their clash with Villa is arguably even more important, as they cannot afford to drop points in a thrilling title race.
Rivals Manchester City and Liverpool face easier opposition in Luton and Crystal Palace, though Arsenal's confidence is sky-high after losing just one of their last 15 matches.
Mikel Arteta's side have picked up 31 points from a possible 33 and a number of stars are beginning to hit top form, like Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.
However it was Villa who came out on top in their previous meeting this season, with John McGinn scoring the only goal of the game in the seventh minute.
Unai Emery got the better of his previous side on that occasion and will be looking to provide a sting in the tail again as Villa chase Champions League qualification.
Arsenal came through the Bayern clash unscathed with Gabriel Jesus getting more minutes under his belt after his recent injury absence.
Jurrien Timber remains a long-term absentee but Arteta will otherwise have plenty of options to keep things fresh and give some stars a much-needed rest.
Meanwhile Villa will face a nervous wait over the fitness of Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Matty Cash.
They take on Lille in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, and Emery's selection could give an indication as to whether the above trio will be available in North London.
One player who will definitely be absent is Douglas Luiz, who is serving a
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