Aston Villa vs Arsenal Premier League preview: How to watch, lineups, changes & prediction

Arsenal play their second match in just 64 hours, and their third in six days overall, when they travel to Aston Villa for Saturday’s Premier League clash. Here is the match preview.

As much as you can mentally prepare yourself for a defeat, one that feels inevitable against one of the finest sides on the continent, it doesn’t stop it being an unwelcome feeling.

Liverpool were left frustrated and slightly worried after an opening 45 minutes from Arsenal that showed plenty of grit and encouragement, which saw the hosts head into half-time slightly on top. The Gunners didn’t overly threaten but to compete as they did demonstrated how far they have come in a short space of time.

Martin Odegaard then spurned a glorious chance to take the lead in the second half – although Lacazette’s pass wasn’t the best – and just three minutes later the sucker punch came. There was only ever going be one winner from there.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1504252262679339010

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Premier League preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, Mikel Arteta rotating his side & score prediction

But there is no time to sulk. There is probably not even any time whatsoever to dissect the performance and see where improvements can be made.

The team must not only play on Saturday lunchtime, but away from home as well. Villa at Villa Park is a fixture with potential banana skin written all over it. Steven Gerrard’s side are in strong form despite falling to defeat at West Ham last time out, with individuals such as Matty Cash, Philippe Coutinho and Jacob Ramsey all finding their stride of late.

Having played so few games on account of the lack of European football, postponements and early FA Cup exit, suddenly Arsenal are having to play three times across a time period where they would usually be playing only once.

A reaction is utterly paramount. For all the excitement and belief that has followed this team throughout the winter, the mood can shift in an instant if they suffer back-to-back defeats. If they were to lose this game then Tottenham have the chance to go level on points later on Sunday when they host West Ham.

Arsenal have to take the spoils. No tepid 1-0 defeats like on this ground last season. For morale and confidence heading into the international break before an April packed full of games, that’s imperative.

How to Watch on TV

When Is Kick Off? Saturday 17 March
What Time Is Kick Off? 12:30 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Villa Park
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport (UK) fuboTV (USA)
Referee? Andy Madley
Who is on VAR? Jonathan Moss

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