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

Saturday 12.30pm BT Sport 1

Venue Villa Park

Last season Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 0

Referee Andy Madley

This season G11 Y23 R2 2.27 cards/game

Odds H 2-1 A 13-9 D 28-11

Subs from Sinisalo, Carney Chukwuemeka, Smith, Olsen, Hause, Traoré, Bailey, Buendía, Digne, Chambers, Douglas Luiz

Doubtful Digne (hamstring), Douglas Luiz (mouth), Chambers (head)

Injured Nakamba (knee, Apr)

Suspended None

Discipline Y61 R2

Form LLWWWL

Leading scorer Watkins 7

Subs from Leno, Okonkwo, Holding, Awe, Tavares, Lokonga, Elneny, Pépé, Nketiah, Tomiyasu, Martinelli, Swanson

Doubtful Tomiyasu (calf)

Injured None

Suspended None

Discipline Y39 R3

Form WWWWWL

Leading scorer Smith Rowe 9