Premier League: Aston Villa vs Arsenal preview

Premier League: Aston Villa vs Arsenal preview
These two sides have met at the Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the season and back then Aston Villa pulled off a major upset by winning 3-1. But things took a dramatic turn since then, Aston Villa only managed to win five more games while Arsenal embarked on a great winning streak that put them top of the table. If they win, the Gunners will end another round of fixtures as leaders of the Premier League. Aston Villa recently ended a five-game winless run by getting a 1-0 success at Sunderland in their last league game. But they were knocked out of the FA Cup by League One outfit Sheffield United last weekend, so their morale might be in pieces. Arsenal on the other hand are pretty confident after beating local rivals Tottenham 2-0 in the FA Cup. The Gunners also have three consecutive league wins after beating West Ham, Newcastle United and Cardiff City. Arsene Wenger has a pretty long injury list though: Theo Walcott has been ruled out for the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, while Nicklas Bendtner (ankle) and Abou Diaby (knee) will also miss out. Kieran Gibbs (calf) and Aaron Ramsey (thigh) remain doubtful, but Wenger hopes to have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back on the pitch, the young midfielder has not featured since Arsenal last faced Villa on opening day. "I wouldn't have any hesitation on playing Oxlade-Chamberlain against Aston Villa," the French manager said. Aston Villa should run late fitness tests for Ron Vlaar (calf) and Nathan Baker (hamstring), while Gabriel Agbonlahor and Brad Guzan should be fit. Chris Herd (hamstring) and Joe Bennett (back) will probably remain sidelined while Libor Kozak (broken leg), Jores Okore (knee) and Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles) are long-term absentees. Here are the odds for Monday night's match at Bet365: Aston Villa win - 11/2 Draw - 7/2 Arsenal win - 8/15
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