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Match Preview - Arsenal vs. Aston Villa - Villains aim to Gun down fourth top four opponent
Thursday 24 December 2009
Having convincingly come through a tough battle against Hull at the Emirates last weekend, the Gunners will have renewed confidence that they can grind out results when the going gets tough - and Sunday's visit of Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa will most definitely see the tough get going.
Unlike Phil Brown's Tigers, Villa are a side capable of beating Arsenal at their own game through quick, counter attacking football, as they did last year in the corresponding fixture. Arsenal, third place ahead of Villa on goal difference and with a game in hand, with face a cutely assembled side that mixes an ethic of hard work and blistering pace. Should Villa spring a (not too great) upset, O'Neill - who has already overseen victories over Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - may be forced to concede that his side could well be a surprise package in this seasons open title race.
Arsenal - Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia will remain stand in skipper with Cesc Fabrgas a doubt. Bacary Sagna, William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen are set to start in defence where fourth choice at the left back berth, Mikael Silvestre will deputise in the absence of Gael Clichy (back), Kieran Gibbs (foot) and Armand Traore (hamstring). Abou Diaby, who impressed with a goal and assist in the 3-0 Hull victory, will line up alongside Denilson and defensive anchor Alex Song. Andrei Arshavin remains a mainstay in a three man attack, dropping to a wide role as striker Eduardo is fit again. Escaping further punishment as catalyst of last week's 21 man brawl, Frenchman Samir Nasri will compete with Theo Walcott for the final starting place.
1 Almunia
-3 Sagna - 10 Gallas - 5 Vermaelen - 18 Silvestre
15 Denilson - 17 Song - 2 Diaby
23 Arshavin - 9 Eduardo - 8 Nasri
Aston Villa - Summer signings Richard Dunne and Stephen Warnock have shored up a defence that was expected to suffer greatly following the retirement of Martin Laursen. With Brad Friedel as commanding as ever in goal and Dunne marshalling the backline expertly, Warnock and Luke Young offer attacking presence from full back positions. Carlos Cuellar will partner Dunne at centre-back although James Collins is nearing selection following a return to fitness. Ashley Young and Stewart Downing will provide classic wing play in midfield where captain Stylian Petrov and the imperious James Millner continue to flourish in the centre. O'Neill remains optimistic Emile Heskey will be deemed fit to start alongside fellow England world cup hopeful -and one time Arsenal target - Gabby Agbonlahor. John Carew, who scored the winner after replacing Heskey in last weekend's 1-0 win over Stoke, is the attacking alternative.
1 Friedel
-2 L.Young - 5 Dunne - 24 Cuellar - 25 Warnock
7 A.Young - 8 Milner - 19 Petrov - 6 Downing
18 Heskey - 11 Agbonlahor
Last season's second half collapse cost Villa dearly as they fell off fourth spot at the expense of this weekends opponents. Strengthened by the defensive additions, a natural balance in midfield and the majestic form of James Milner, should the midlanders retain the belief which has seen them force their way into what appears the most open title race in years, fourth spot is the minimum return they can expect from such a promising season. Strength at the back is matched by the energy and pace in attack and Villa, without doubt, have the ability to cause the Gunners real problems. Arsene Wenger, who watched his team take just one point from their two meetings with Villa last season, will be well aware of the danger the visitors present and the lack of pace in his left back Mikael Silvestre may prove an area of concern. Should the defensive pairing of William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen struggle to cope with the presence of Carew or Heskey and pace of Agbonlahor, disappointment could well be on the cards for the hosts.
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