We’re back to the Premier League this weekend and the pick of the fixtures takes place at the Emirates on Saturday evening with Arsenal v Aston Villa.
The Gunners have suffered a mini crisis in the last few weeks, but a tough win over Spurs in midweek might have calmed some nerves. Next up, it’s Aston Villa and former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, who have found some form in recent weeks.
The one and only Peter Crouch gave his thoughts on both sides and his pick of the punts for the game – and remember, Paddy’s Super Sub offer means your FA Cup bet rolls on even if your player selection gets taken off early…
Arsenal v Aston Villa Bet Builder
Both teams to score: Yes
Ollie Watkins to have 2+ shots
Gabriel Magalhaes to have 1+ shots on target
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 8/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
WHEN: Saturday, January 18, 5:30pm
WHERE: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
It was good for Arsenal to get the result against Tottenham, especially the way some of the other top sides dropped points, but the performance could’ve been better.
Defensively, they showed they’re still very solid. Gabriel and Saliba were top class like you’d expect, along with Declan Rice who does such a good job in front of the defence. Odegaard’s such a key player for them too. Everything runs through him.
They were just missing something at the top end of the pitch. Trossard, Sterling and Havertz felt like a strange front three – I don’t think that’s the kind of firepower that’ll win the league.
The win was important, coming after a huge overreaction to the cup result.
The problem from the fans’ point of view is that there is a glaring issue at the centre-forward position. They need a goalscorer, basically.
And yes, the Newcastle result was disappointing and it’ll be hard to get through in the Carabao Cup now, but if Odegaard scores his penalty against United they win the game in normal time.
The fallout really seems to come down to Havertz missing a few chances and then everyone says “I told you so,” because they’ve needed a striker for a couple of years.
And it’s not really fair on Havertz. Talking to Declan Rice after the Spurs game, he said how he can play all these different roles – across the frontline or in the midfield – for the team and does so really well. His teammates appreciate that, but he misses a couple of chances, and there’s no goalscorer like a Mo Salah or Erling Haaland to get one, and then he becomes a scapegoat for a much bigger issue.
It’s obvious they need one, but some of the criticism went too far.
And they got the three points against Spurs in the end, the place was absolutely rocking after a difficult week, so that could be the catalyst they need to kick on now.
Both teams to score
Villa on Saturday will be a different proposition to that weakened Spurs side though.
I wouldn’t write them off for the top four this season. They’re a good enough side to get back there again, and the drop off from some other teams – City, United, Tottenham – opens the door for them.
They’re without John McGinn, who I think is a bit underrated by most people outside of Villa Park, but Morgan Rogers impresses me so much every time I see him, he has been a real shining light for them this season, and they’re getting the likes of Emiliano Buendia back now too.
Arsenal weren’t overly impressive this week. They aren’t firing on all cylinders, that’s for sure. I think Villa can score against them despite their tight defence and I fancy both sides to find the net on Saturday in a game that will probably end up all square.
Ollie Watkins to have 2+ shots
I’m pleased to see Ollie Watkins back scoring because he was struggling a bit. Jhon Duran couldn’t stop earlier in the season as well and sometimes we just live in the here and now, and when Duran was scoring all of a sudden Watkins should be out of the side according to some. People seemed to forget about how much he does for the side and that he got 27 goals last season!
He should have chances on Saturday and get a few shots off at least.
Gabriel Magalhaes to have 1+ shots on target
For Arsenal, it really is hard to look beyond the set-pieces and Gabriel in particular as their biggest goal threat at the moment. I’d hope Havertz gets one too, but for a bet I’ll take Gabriel to get a shot on target, especially with Declan Rice’s delivery from the left. He’s so accurate delivering those in-swinging crosses.
Villa have their own set-piece coach of course, they’re a big team too, they are well-organised generally and have a commanding goalkeeper, so it won’t be easy for Arsenal, but it looks their best chance of goals at the moment and Gabriel has shown over and over what a threat he is so I’ll include him in my Bet Builder.
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
There are a few options I’d fancy for a foul or a card, but Thomas Partey seems the likeliest to me in the midfield and has regularly done so this season so I’ll take him for one at least against Villa.
Peter Crouch’s Arsenal v Aston Villa tips
Both teams to score: Yes
Ollie Watkins to have 2+ shots
Gabriel Magalhaes to have 1+ shots on target
Thomas Partey to commit 1+ fouls
A bet builder with these selections pays at approximately 8/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Read More
- Arsenal v Aston Villa Tips: Andy Robson’s 7/1 Bet Builder for Saturday evening’s PL clash
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