Can Arsenal Penetrate Villa`s Steely Defence?

With the welcoming of Arsenal to Villa Park tomorrow (20th September), Aston Villa will get the opportunity to record unlikely successive victories after a 1-0 win over Liverpool away at Anfield last time out. Considered their first real test of the season, a gritty performance saw Villa dispatch last season`s Premier League runners-up and thereby sustain their best start to a campaign in 16 years. A smart corner routine in the ninth minute saw Gabby Agbonlahor strike home the only goal of the game. Paul Lambert`s men are undefeated in all competitions and lie second in the league with 10 points.

Arsenal followed up a valuable point at home to champions Manchester City with a disheartening mid-week defeat at the hands of German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Two goals either side of half-time were enough for BVB to climb to the top of Group D, whilst a 1-1 draw between Anderlecht and galatasaray means that Arsenal are rooted to the bottom. Back in the Premier League three straight draws see still undefeated Arsenal sit in seventh. Despite their impressive start and superior points total, sceptical bookies have made Villa the clear 4/1 (betfred, Coral, Totesport) outsiders to snatch victory against Wenger`s side. With bouncebackability the aim of the game for the Gunners, bet365 are offering 17/20 (Bwin - 11/13) on a cheerful five o`clock journey back to North London, whilst their fourth successive league draw can be backed at 14/5 (boylesports).

The away side will have to expose a flaw in a defensive line-up that has only conceded one goal in their first four matches. The Villains were expected to feel the impact of captain Ron Vlaar`s absence during their clash with Liverpool though replacement Nathan Baker filled in for the Dutchman putting in a stellar performance as the side racked up a third clean sheet. The Netherlands` star centre-back was removed from the field of play during the last minutes of extra time in Villa`s 2-1 win over Hull City, having pulled up with a calf strain and is not expected to return in time for tomorrow`s match-up.

Defender Philippe Senderos, who spent six years at Arsenal under manager Arsene Wenger, will take his place in the Villains` back line, his performances having earned him great praise from his current boss, Lambert.

`He`s a great talker on the pitch - that was one of the things that was so impressive when I went over to Switzerland to watch him.` The 45-year-old Scot told regional newspaper, The Lichfield Mercury.

`He`s a good organiser and his performances on the pitch have been exceptional.`

Villa are 15/2 to be inspired by another incredible defensive performance, do the seemingly impossible and take another big scalp with a win to nil. Otherwise, a correct score prediction of 0-0 is 11/1 at Skybet.

Gunners` fans will be buoyed by the news that Jack Wilshere has recovered after being felled by an ankle strain during Arsenal`s 2-0 Champions League disappointment. With a history of long-term injury problems, it was assumed that Wenger would be unlikely to risk the attacking midfielder should his player appear not to be at full fitness, though the 22-year-old has overcome a series of health checks to be deemed available for selection. An invaluable member of the North London club`s squad, Wilshere scored Arsenal`s first goal in their 2-2 tie against Manchester City.

Aston Villa will also have to contend with Arsenal`s joint top scorers, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez, both of whom have netted twice in the Gunners` steady start to their league campaign. Twenty-five-year-old Sanchez is the 9/5 (888sport, Spreadex) favourite to score at any time with Welshman Ramsey 12/5 (Spreadex) to slot one past `keeper Brad Guzan, but can Arsenal penetrate Villa`s steely back line?

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19/09/2014     © Frixo 2026