Arsenal v Aston Villa: Preview and Betting Tips | EPL 2025

The Gunners sit four points off the summit whilst Villa have won five of their last eight EPL matches. Unai Emery’s side have won two of the last three meetings between these clubs.

Match: Arsenal v Aston Villa
When: Saturday, 18 January 2024, 19:30 SAST
Where: Emirates Stadium

Arsenal Form

The Gunners recently saw an 11-match unbeaten run come to an end. That streak saw some impressive wins but also some cheap dropped points in the title race. A 1-1 draw at Fulham and a shock 0-0 home stalemate versus Everton were poor results. A 1-1 draw at Brighton saw a lead surrendered.

Arsenal lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final despite putting up 3.22 xG and outshooting their opponents 23-7. Last weekend, they lost on penalties to Man Utd after a 1-1 draw. Mikel Arteta’s side bounced back to beat Tottenham 2-1 in midweek as they missed four big chances.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta is without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus in attack due to long-term injuries. Gabriel Martinelli is set to return to the XI in place of Raheem Sterling. Ethan Nwaneri is set to play no part due to a muscle injury.

At the back, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are out.  Riccardo Calafiori is carrying a knee problem so youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly could start again.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners have full focus on the league. They need to keep winning and hope Liverpool drop more points. A draw would feel like a defeat here.

Arteta’s side will carry a big threat on set-pieces. They will try to get a lead and then sit in a compact shape to protect their advantage.

Aston Villa Form

After a terrible month of results from late October to the beginning of December (five losses and three draws in eight matches), Villa look back to a good level of late. They have won seven of their last ten matches in all competitions and five of the last eight in the league.

A 2-1 home loss at Nottingham Forest was followed by a fine 2-1 home win over Man City. A 3-0 thrashing at Newcastle and a 2-2 home draw vs Brighton followed. Their last three matches have all been wins: 2-1 vs Leicester, 2-1 vs West Ham (FA Cup) and 1-0 at Everton in midweek.

Aston Villa Team News

Pau Torres is injured in defence and Diego Carlos is a major doubt in the same area. Tyrone Mings could continue to deputise as he makes his way back from a long-term injury.

Ross Barkley and John McGinn are set to play no part in midfield. Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey are set to remain as impact substitutes although neither played any part in midweek.

Aston Villa Motivation

Villa come into this match with confidence from recent results against Arsenal. They will look to win at the Emirates as they did in April 2024.

Emery’s side are expected to try to absorb pressure in a narrow shape. They won’t open themselves up to Arsenal’s fast breaks.

Key Stats

Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 16 matches (10 wins, 5 draws)

Arsenal have lost just 1 of their last 19 home matches

Aston Villa have lost 5 of their last 6 away EPL matches

Aston Villa have won 2 of their last 3 matches vs Arsenal

Aston Villa have won 5 of their last 8 EPL matches

Verdict

A very close affair is expected. Arsenal could take a narrow win but a draw is a very possible result too.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.86
Value Bet: Arsenal win and both to score at 3.40
Alternate Value Bet: Arsenal to win by exactly 1 goal at 3.35