Steven Gerrard urges Villa players to compete with Premier League’s top sides
Steven Gerrard has urged his Aston Villa players to use Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Arsenal to prove they can start competing with the top sides in the Premier League.
Steven Gerrard Sport News
Steven Gerrard confirms fresh Aston Villa injury blow for Arsenal as Lucas Digne update revealed
Steven Gerrard has confirmed left-back Lucas Digne will miss Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal on Saturday, while Kortney Hause will also be unavailable for selection through injury.
Villa boss Gerrard rules Digne out of Arsenal clash
Steven Gerrard has said Lucas Digne will miss Aston Villa's Premier League match against Arsenal on Saturday but will still join up with France next week.
Mikel Arteta responds to speculation Arsenal wanted to sign Philippe Coutinho
Mikel Arteta has hinted Philippe Coutinho was among a number of creative midfielders Arsenal contemplated signing in the summer.
Mikel Arteta drops “different option” hint as Philippe Coutinho plan emerges
Tuchel praises mentality of Chelsea in ‘uncertain and unstable’ times
Arsenal may have just helped Aston Villa in Douglas Luiz contract talks
Douglas Luiz is yet to sign a new contract at Aston Villa and continues to be linked with a move away from the club.
Aston Villa v Arsenal: match preview
Arsenal may be tired as they travel up to Birmingham but they should not be disheartened after a battling defeat to Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s side simply lack the strength in depth of the Reds and a striker who can finish their slick moves, Alexandre Lacazette would certainly be Jürgen Klopp’s sixth best option in attack if he were to switch allegiances. Regardless Arsenal have a good chance to continue their mission to clinch fourth spot against Aston Villa. The high likelihood of Bukayo Saka bearing down on Ashley Young feels like an avenue to instant success as Lucas Digne looks set to miss out. Villa will also be disappointed if former Gunner Callum Chambers is out with a head injury as he has proved an instant hit for Steven Gerrard. A depleted defence may not be enough though as Arteta has made a lot of noise about Arsenal’s exhaustion and if he is not just blowing smoke then Philippe Coutinho’s magic could derail the manager’s best laid plans further. Graham Searles
Pundit delivers 'interesting' Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction
BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson says it will be "interesting" to see how Arsenal will respond in a "new territory" against Aston Villa after the midweek defeat against Liverpool.