Premier League matches do not come much bigger than this, as Aston Villa host table-toppers Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.
The Unai Emery derby, as some may label it, is a match which usually delivers high-quality drama.
We have previewed the latest edition of Aston Villa vs Arsenal, picking out some football betting tips based on the latest available odds.
And ahead of Matchday 15, do not forget about our exciting Weekly Premier League Offer. Wager £20 on qualifying Premier League Accas this weekend and earn yourself a £5 Free Bet!
Where can I watch Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the UK?
Aston Villa vs Arsenal will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm UK time.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Preview
Recent results
Both teams arrive at Villa Park on the back of midweek victories. Villa came from two goals down to beat Brighton 4-3 at the Amex, and Emery’s men have won eight of the last nine in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s 2-0 victory at Anfield is the only blemish on that record, with the run also including big home triumphs over Manchester City (1-0) and Bournemouth (4-0).
Arsenal extended their unbeaten Premier League streak to 11 matches with a fairly comfortable 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday, Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka grabbing the goals.
However, the Gunners have drawn their last two away matches in the top flight vs Chelsea (2-2) and Sunderland (2-2).
Head-to-head record
Arsenal have won five of their last eight Premier League matches against Villa, and won 2-0 at Villa Park last season.
The match at the Emirates in 2024-25 finished 2-2, and the Gunners were beaten 1-0 at Villa Park in December 2023.
Team news
Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are the only players set to miss out for Villa, with Emery having to contend with no fresh knocks from the trip to the South Coast.
For Arsenal, Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera added to Mikel Arteta’s woes by each hobbling off against Brentford, making them both minor doubts here. William Saliba and Leandro Trossard could each return, but Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz are ‘weeks away’ from returning.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Arsenal are the big favourites ahead of kick-off, priced at 1.86 to claim all three points. A Villa win is at odds of 4.20, while the draw is 3.45.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Ollie Watkins @ 3.25
Watkins was back among the goals vs Brighton with a brace, and has struck six times in 11 previous appearances vs Arsenal. Against an injury-ravaged Gunners defence, the England international may very well add to that good personal record.
Mikel Merino to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 1.80
With Rice a doubt, Merino may be shifted back into midfield. But even if he is, we still fancy the in-form Spaniard to test the goalkeeper at least once. His late runs into the box often cause havoc, and he is a huge threat in the air – evidenced by his magnificent headers vs Chelsea and Brentford!
Piero Hincapie to commit over 1.5 fouls @ 3.25
Against a tricky opponent in Watkins – or Donyell Malen – the fiery Hincapie may attract the referee’s gaze on a few occasions. The Ecuadorian loves being in the thick of the battle, which is a trait the Gunners will also need at a hostile Villa Park!
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