Arsenal aim to build on their London derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur as they welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Leandro Trossard’s decisive first-half goal secured the Gunners’ win, keeping their Premier League title aspirations on track.
With the 18:30 WAT kickoff fast approaching, here’s a detailed preview, prediction, and betting tips for this exciting clash from Kick Off Nigeria editor Ayomide Oguntimehin.
Match Preview: Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Arsenal enter this match with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five outings. After rebounding from an FA Cup loss to Manchester United with a victory over Tottenham, Mikel Arteta’s men will aim to maintain momentum in their title race.
On the other hand, Aston Villa, currently seventh in the league, are in excellent form. With three consecutive wins against Everton, West Ham, and Leicester City, Unai Emery’s side is closing the gap on fourth-placed Newcastle, eyeing a UEFA Champions League spot.
Head-to-Head (Last Five Matches)
- Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
- Arsenal 0-2 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal
- Aston Villa 2-4 Arsenal
- Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa
Arsenal hold the upper hand in their recent meetings with Aston Villa, winning three of their last five encounters.
Recent Form: Arsenal
Arsenal have shown resilience in bouncing back from two consecutive losses. Their 2-1 victory over Tottenham demonstrated their determination to stay in the title race. Across their last five matches, the Gunners have recorded two wins, two losses, and one draw.
Recent Form: Aston Villa
Aston Villa are one of the most in-form teams in the league, losing just once in their last five matches while securing three wins and one draw. Emery’s side are on a mission to strengthen their push for Champions League qualification, and their recent performances suggest they are more than capable of achieving this goal.
Players to Watch
Arsenal – Martin Ødegaard
Captain Martin Ødegaard continues to be a creative force for Arsenal. His assist in the derby win over Tottenham highlighted his vision and skill. The Norwegian playmaker will be pivotal in breaking down Villa’s disciplined defense.
Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins is Aston Villa’s danger man, with nine goals and four assists in the Premier League this season. His contributions, including a goal against Everton and an assist in the FA Cup victory over West Ham, make him a constant threat to Arsenal’s defense.
Best Odds and Betting Tips
- Home (Arsenal) Win or Draw: 1.13 on 1xBet
- Both Teams to Score (YES): 1.9 on 1xBet
Arsenal vs Aston Villa Prediction
This clash promises to be fiercely competitive, with Arsenal fighting to stay in the title race and Aston Villa chasing Champions League qualification. While Arsenal’s home form gives them the edge, Villa’s recent performances cannot be underestimated.
For betting enthusiasts, Both Teams to Score (YES) at odds of 1.9 on 1xBet offers good value. For a safer option, consider Home Win or Draw at 1.13 on 1xBet.
