With only 2 points behind 2nd placed Manchester United and 6 points behind leaders Chelsea, Arsenal are back in contention at the top of the league table.
Against Aston Villa though, they have got a rather strong opponent. So far, Aston Villa have managed to defeat Chelsea, United and Liverpool.
Villa are level on points with Arsenal but the Gunners have a game in hand on this weekend's opponents.
Arsenal should have skipper Cesc Fabregas back in midfield for this game, and Arsene Wenger will have a rather tough choice deciding which midfielders to start alongside Fabregas and Alex Song.
Aston Villa pack a lot of power in the middle, so Arsenal need to match that. Denilson and Abou Diaby are likely choices, as well as Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Eboue.
Arshavin and Eduardo might star in front.
Arsenal have got to find a way to keep from conceding, as Aston Villa are rather good at exploiting defensive weaknesses.

Martin O'Neill has got a lot to be pleased about with respect to his team's performance in the Premier league so far this season.
With wins over Chelsea, United, and Liverpool, and now a possible win over an injury-hit Arsenal side, the team will head to the Emirates quite confident in their abilities.
Gabriel Agbonlahor is still continuously scoring for Villa, and will pose the biggest threat to Arsenal.
John Carew and midfielder James Milner are also firmly on Aston Villa's score sheet as well.
Aston Villa have got a lot of powerful players, and speed as well. They should be able to match Arsenal's pace.
With the efficient Brad Friedel in goal, this doesn't look like it will be an easy home game for Arsenal. 3 points will see Aston Villa displacing Arsenal on the table and getting on Manchester United's heels, likewise 3 points for Arsenal will produce the same result.

Match is on DSTV. . .SS4. Channel 204.

Hmmmm Crizzle,

Isn't this posta bit biased? me wonderz o

Nah, it's not biased 'cos there's nothing unfair about it.

It's just leaning in favor of Aston Villa 'cos even objectively, they look the stronger side.
They've got all their players, with the exception of Heskey(who might make the bench.  .  .groin injury is almost healed), they are in very good form, they've been consistent, and they've defeated Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United.

Arsenal have only been able to get Liverpool, and they've got a lot more injury worries right now. Arsenal concede more goals than Villa too.
Also, Villa guys have got more physical strength.  .  .and they won y'allz last game against each other. 4- 3, remember?

Just called it as it is.

Villa may be good, but they won't be facing the same Arsenal as they faced last season - this side is a very different proposition all together.

That said, It should be a close encounter and I predict a 2-1 or 3-2 victory for the Arsenal.

Well. . .I'd still pick Friedel over Almunia, and Dunne over Gallas any day.
I can mention a few others as well.

Cristalz:

Nah, it's not biased 'cos there's nothing unfair about it.

It's just leaning in favor of Aston Villa 'cos even objectively, they look the stronger side.
They've got all their players, with the exception of Heskey(who might make the bench.  .  .groin injury is almost healed), they are in very good form, they've been consistent, and they've defeated Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United.
Arsenal have only been able to get Liverpool, and they've got a lot more injury worries right now. Arsenal concede more goals than Villa too.
Also, Villa guys have got more physical strength.  .  .and they won y'allz last game against each other. 4- 3, remember?
Just called it as it is.

And if Villa lose?

You're one mean biased chick

Cristalz:

Well. . .I'd still pick Friedel over Almunia, and Dunne over Gallas any day.
I can mention a few others as well.

Oh yea, Agbonlahoe over Walcott, Young over Nasri. . .need help wiv d otherz

v3:

And if Villa lose?

You're one mean biased chick

Um. . .did I rob your bank account of recent or something?
What's with the aggro?

If Villa lose, too bad for 'em.
But right now, they look the stronger side. You don't have to like it, but that's what it is.

v3:

Oh yea, Agbonlahoe over Walcott, Young over Nasri. . .need help wiv d otherz

Yep, I'd actually take Gabby over Theo, and Young over Nasri.
Got a problem with it?

Nope, u didn't pick-me-lock & nope, i don't hv a problem wiv it!

Comprendre?

So get off my back then and quit acting like my every opinion affects your paycheck.
Calling me unfounded names is just. . .

Cristalz:

So get off my back then and quit acting like my every opinion affects your paycheck.
Calling me unfounded names is just. . .

Who's callin u names, abi oo gba dun ni?

v3:

And if Villa lose?

You're one mean biased chick

These are endearments in your village, abi?

Dude, face the topic jor.

Buh hambug!. . .To fink i called u a "chic"

nah endearment b dat na,yels bk to d topic!

L'arse 2-0

Potential game of the season.

I guess both sides are evenly matched. Cant pick one team over the other. This is by far the toughest of the 3 games arsenal play, and they'd want a result
Arsenal 2 - Villa 2

Cristalz is just displaying some bad belle because the villains flogged them at OT.

duduspace:

Cristalz is just displaying some bad belle because the villains flogged them at OT.

funny, i forgot they lost to A.Villa @ home. . .no wonder her post stinks of sheer biasism!

Tough 1 for the gunners. . . . . without Fab4, be very surprised if they can cop all 3pts!

RuuDie.
U stay around or behind Brown rd, correct? *fingerz crossed*

Tough opponent at EMIRATE but we are winning. Almunia save the day with Arshavin winner

Arsenal 7 - 1 Villa

duduspace:

Cristalz is just displaying some bad belle because the villains flogged them at OT.

Nah. . .it's deserved respect.
That team can play. You guys may win on Sunday, but underestimate them at your peril.

@v3
Too bad when I did the preview I didn't have your pleasure in mind.
If you don't like it, next time do yours. You won't even have to sweat, k? Just a click and some typing.

Arsenal would make a mince meat out of Aston Villa, for sure!

Match is on DSTV. . .SS4. Channel 204.

No Liverpool Wolverhampton update?, that sucks a$$, Criz!

Well, whenever I put a Liverpool thread up y'all don't post in it.
Last week I didn't, and I didn't get a single complaint. Kinda like no one noticed.

I've decided to chill for a bit. Or till they've got a big fixture.

Is it that liverpool dont matter these days?

v3:

RuuDie.
U stay around or behind Brown rd, correct? *fingerz crossed*

yeah. . . . close to Brown rd

- am i s'posed to know u

v3:

Oh yea, Agbonlahoe over Walcott, Young over Nasri. . .need help wiv d otherz

on current form. . . . who wouldn't

Well, whenever I put a Liverpool thread up y'all don't post in it.
Last week I didn't, and I didn't get a single complaint. Kinda like no one noticed.

I've decided to chill for a bit. Or till they've got a big fixture.

Good call.

Cristalz:

Well, whenever I put a Liverpool thread up y'all don't post in it.
Last week I didn't, and I didn't get a single complaint. Kinda like no one noticed.

I've decided to chill for a bit. Or till they've got a big fixture.

Very Good call

Cristalz:

@v3
Too bad when I did the preview I didn't have your pleasure in mind.
If you don't like it, next time do yours. You won't even have to sweat, k? Just a click and some typing.

Sure thing babe, will do!