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Arsenal host Aston Villa at the Emirates today as both clubs look to keep up with the top of the table. The Gunners and Villains are tied at 12 points, although Villa has played one game less. Although all matches count the same, the farewell match before an international break always feels a little more important. I don’t think any team wants to be out of the Premier League for two and a half weeks with a bad result.
Aston Villa started the season undefeated, but have lost their last two games. Arsenal have had their ups and downs, although there is room to hope that the addition of Thomas Partey and his integration into the team will keep things in the right direction.
Of course, one of the main stories of today’s match will be Emi Martínez against her old club. Arsenal sold the goalkeeper to Aston Villa a few months ago when it became clear that Mikel Arteta was not going to give him the number 1 spot he wanted. The sale has worked well for both clubs so far. The Gunners used the proceeds to help fund the acquisitions of Gabriel and Thomas Partey, and Martinez has been solid for Villa. However, he is the one who has yielded the most goals in the Premier League in shots from outside the area.
Regardless, Villa has been tight-fisted so far this season, conceding just 9 goals. We know that Arsenal struggles at times to generate offense. That has the potential to be an unfortunate couple. Villa has scored a striking 15 goals in 6 games, but 7 of them were against Liverpool in that “what the heck just happened” game a few months ago.
I’m looking forward to the battle between Thomas Partey and Jack Grealish for control of the midfield. Grealish is off to a good start this season with 4 goals, tied for the team lead with summer signing Ollie Watkins. Partey sent Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes out last week and will have his hands full again this week. Grealish is progressing well, throwing off rival defenses. He also wins a lot of fouls, for what it’s worth.
The Gunners won’t have Reiss Nelson, whose minor knee problem will keep him out until after the international break. Long-term injuries have not changed. Aston Villa will be without strikers Bertrand Traore and Wesley Moraes.
Arsenal – Leno, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Bellerin, Partey, Elneny, Saka, Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang
Aston Villa – Martínez, Efectivo, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Trezeguet, Barkley, Grealish, Watkins
WHAT: Arsenal vs. Aston Villa
WHERE: The Emirates
WHEN: Sunday, November 8 11:15 AT PT | 2:15 pm ET | 7:15 pm BT
American television: Peacock.
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