Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have predicted whether or not Aston Villa will defeat Arsenal. Mikel Arteta will host the Villans at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Premier League title race builds a head of steam.
The Gunners will be keen to extend their impressive unbeaten streak following a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday night. As for Aston Villa, they head into the clash off the back of a 2-1 win over Lille in the Europa Conference League on Thursday evening.
If Tottenham Hotspur drop points against Newcastle United on Saturday then Aston Villa have the opportunity to climb into the top four. While the Villans will certainly be fired up, Arsenal will have an extra couple of days rest up their sleeve.
In a column for SportsKeeda, Merson has backed Arteta’s side to waltz away victorious this weekend, noting Emery’s decision to prioritise the Europa Conference League campaign. The former Arsenal midfielder said: “I watched Aston Villa against Brentford and if they play like that against Arsenal – turn the lights off.
“I have to go with the home side here as they have been unbelievable especially since the turn of the year and their record at the Emirates Stadium makes for impressive reading. Villa haven’t won a trophy since 1996, so they will be keen on winning the Conference League.”
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton heaped praise on Aston Villa but tipped Arsenal to edge the fixture. The former Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea striker said: “Arsenal got a bit of criticism for their performance against Bayern Munich in midweek but I didn’t think they were that bad.
