Arsenal vs Aston Villa

1/3- After a draw last week Arsenal would like to capitalise on the 3 point lead they currently hold over rivals Manchester United, while the second placed team travel to take on Fulham, the top spot team would be playing hosts to the visiting 6^th placed Aston Villa team. Arsenal have not lost a single match in the last 10 matches played, in fact they have lost just once this season that too playing away from home and hence it would be difficult for the visitors to challenge them in their own den. The Gunners have a good overall record against Aston Villa and also in the earlier tie during this current season they had defeated Villa 1-2, in an away tie. All these records along with the prominent crowd support might just help to tilt things in favour of the league leaders and a win could possible take them further away from the second placed team and hence give them some more space to relax and regroup.

While the home team get into this tie after a disappointing draw against Birmingham last week their focus would solely be on the upcoming home tie against Aston Villa. Also the form of Adebayor would be crucial to the side’s performance as the menacing striker has already scored 19 goals this season and is looking as threatening as ever but the side would surely miss the services of Van Persie and Rosicky, both out due to injuries. But the home side and the crowd would hope for a full three points of this tie.

Aston Villa on the other hand would want to make it three in a row after two wins in the last two matches and more over strengthen their position for the qualifying spot to next year’s European championships. However the missing Agbonlahor could well be the difference between the two sides.

Prediction: 1-0, Arsenal win