Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head

[(Arsenal F.C.) Strength]:
1. Arsenal F.C.'s key winger Saka provided an assist in the last league match, marking his first direct goal contribution in his last six appearances and signaling a positive upturn in his attacking form.
2. Arsenal F.C.'s defender Gabriel, who suffered an injury during the November international break and subsequently missed ten club matches, made his return as a substitute in the last league game. He is expected to start in the upcoming fixture.
3. Arsenal F.C. won 2-1 at home against Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. in their last league match. In their last five games across all competitions, they have achieved an unbeaten record of four wins and one draw in regular time, showing a hot form.
4. Arsenal F.C.'s defensive ability is particularly outstanding. So far this season, they have conceded 11 goals in 18 league matches, making them the team with the fewest goals conceded in the Premier League at present.
5. Arsenal F.C.'s home performance in the league this season has been extremely dominant. So far this season, they have achieved an unbeaten record of 8 wins and 1 draw in 9 Premier League home games and are currently on a 6-game winning streak at home.

[(Arsenal F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Arsenal F.C. are currently grappling with a defensive crisis. Mosquera, Ben White, Calafiori, and Timber all missed the last league match against Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. due to injury, forcing Declan Rice to fill in at right-back during the game.
2. Arsenal F.C.'s recent ability to score proactively has been very limited. The team have only scored one goal in open play in their last four official matches.

[(Aston Villa F.C.) Strength]:
1. Aston Villa F.C. striker Ollie Watkins came off the bench in the last league match, scoring a crucial brace to help his team complete a comeback victory over Chelsea F.C. away from home. He was subsequently named Player of the Match for his performance.
2. Aston Villa F.C. secured a 2-1 away victory over Chelsea F.C. in the last round of the league, extending their winning streak across all competitions to 11 matches. This equals the club's all-time record for consecutive wins, originally set back in 1914.
3. Aston Villa F.C.'s attack is firing on all cylinders, having netted 11 goals in their last five official matches for an average of over two goals per game.
4. Aston Villa F.C. are highly competitive away from home. The team have achieved a record of 7 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses in their last 10 away official games, and are currently on a 5-game winning streak away from home.
5. In the last five encounters between the two sides, Aston Villa F.C. have achieved a record of three wins, one draw and one loss. Moreover, in their first league meeting this season, they defeated Arsenal F.C. 2-1 at home. In recent years, they have shown a significant advantage in their head-to-head record.

[(Aston Villa F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Aston Villa F.C. will be without several key players for this match. Starting right-back Cash and defensive midfielder Kamara are both suspended due to yellow card accumulation. In defence, Mings and Pau Torres are sidelined with injuries, while in midfield, Barkley is also unavailable. Additionally, Ivorian striker Evann Guessand is absent as he is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.
2. Aston Villa F.C.'s defensive solidity needs improvement, as the team have now conceded goals in each of their last six consecutive matches.

[Tips]:
Arsenal F.C. have been in top form recently, remaining unbeaten in five consecutive matches across all competitions. The team's defensive capabilities are among the best in the league, and their home performances are also very strong. However, the team have shown a noticeable dip in their ability to create goals from open play recently.

On the other hand, Aston Villa F.C. are currently the most in-form team in the Premier League, riding an impressive 11-game winning streak across all competitions that has tied their all-time club record. The team performed well on both offense and defense, and their away performance is also very reliable.

Judging from the head-to-head record between the two sides, Aston Villa F.C. also have a clear advantage.

However, the AH line is still in favor of the home team.

So Arsenal F.C. are expected to win.

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