Aston Villa Vs. Arsenal: Arsenal Preview

Arsenal travel to Aston Villa tomorrow to try and steady themselves and return to winning ways. The Gunners have been shaky of late and their record of late shows it. They have lost 4 of their last 6 games in all competitions, something which needs to be rectified if they wish pundits to recognize them as serious title challengers once again. Having lost last weekend's league match against Tottenham and their midweek champions league fixture against Braga it is pertinent that Arsenal win against Villa to restore confidence ahead of the next crucial champion's league matchup against Partizan Belgrade. The gunner's must win to progress to the knockout phases; anything less and their future would depend on the outcome of the other group fixture.


However Arsene Wenger will be focused on picking up 3 points tomorrow to keep pace with Chelsea, who have been faltering of late, and Manchester United, who have looked mediocre all season long. Wenger will get a chance to battle for victory against compatriot and ex Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier. The frenchman who was appointed after the departure of Martin O'neill has put Villa back on track after a rocky start to the season.

Another frenchman with Arsenal ties, namely Robert Pires, may make his full Premiership debut in Villa colors. The frenchman who is regarded as one of the club's greatest players was signed by villa after he was released from Villareal. Interestingly, during his free agency he had been training with Arsenal to stay in shape.

In last season's corresponding tie Arsenal emerged 3-0 victors at villa park, after Cesc Fabregas came on as a substitute, scored two goals in 28 minutes, and then departed once more because of a recurrence of the injury that had kept him sidelined at first.

However, Arsenal will have to draw inspiration from elsewhere because the captain, along with Emmanuel Eboue picked up Injuries. Apart from those two players there is no positive or negative news regarding Arsenal injuries.

Hopefully Arsenal can hurdle over the obstacle of losing their captain and snag a victory tomorrow.