Van der Ven may be key for Spurs, Wissa could make Newcastle debut and Dyche deserves warm Everton welcome
Arsenal’s recent memories of Aston Villa are of awkward opponents. Mikel Arteta’s side squandered a two-goal lead at the Emirates Stadium when the teams last met, in January, Arsenal dropping two points, their title charge dented. With such little margin for error, it was the kind of day that boosted Liverpool and crystallised the sense that the Gunners would come up short. Villa also defeat Arsenal in 2023-24, abruptly halting Arteta’s six-game winning streak. Now Arsenal are in a different position, at the summit with a five-point lead – and six clear of Unai Emery’s team. Victory at Villa Park on Saturday, against a side that have lost only once in the league since August, would offer another significant indication that this could be the season Arsenal take the crown. Ben Fisher
Aston Villa v Arsenal, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Bournemouth v Chelsea, Saturday 3pm
Everton v Nottingham Forest, Saturday 3pm
Manchester City v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
Continue reading…Van der Ven may be key for Spurs, Wissa could make Newcastle debut and Dyche deserves warm Everton welcomeArsenal’s recent memories of Aston Villa are of awkward opponents. Mikel Arteta’s side squandered a two-goal lead at the Emirates Stadium when the teams last met, in January, Arsenal dropping two points, their title charge dented. With such little margin for error, it was the kind of day that boosted Liverpool and crystallised the sense that the Gunners would come up short. Villa also defeat Arsenal in 2023-24, abruptly halting Arteta’s six-game winning streak. Now Arsenal are in a different position, at the summit with a five-point lead – and six clear of Unai Emery’s team. Victory at Villa Park on Saturday, against a side that have lost only once in the league since August, would offer another significant indication that this could be the season Arsenal take the crown. Ben FisherAston Villa v Arsenal, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)Bournemouth v Chelsea, Saturday 3pmEverton v Nottingham Forest, Saturday 3pmManchester City v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm Continue reading…
