Arsenal v Aston Villa: Villa could be victims of Gunners backlash

Arsenal enter this match with relegation-threatened Aston Villa under much scrutiny, in the aftermath of a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Blackburn and a crushing European defeat to Bayern Munich.

What has been overlooked though, is the fact that they are in very good league form, upon which they can build with victory at 1/3 here.

Indeed, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last four league outings, winning three, and they should be backed to triumph more comfortably than by the one goal they have won by in their last two games.

Arsene Wenger’s side are 5/6 to win giving up a goal head-start, whilst the Gunners are 2/1 to prevail despite a two-goal disadvantage.

Each of these bets would have proved successful on two of Villa’s last three visits to the Emirates, with Arsenal winning 3-0 on those occasions.

Braver punters can have 15/2 about another repeat of that scoreline here.

A morale-boosting clean sheet would be welcome for Arsenal too, in the aftermath of much criticism being levelled at their defensive efforts in the Champions League.

The Gunners have kept out Premier League opposition in their last two domestic fixtures though, and could record a hat-trick of clean sheets at 19/20.

They may prove better value to win the match without being breached at 23/20 though, against a Villa side with only two wins on the road this term.

And punters fancying a dominant home success could also look to half markets as a way to turn a profit on this game.

Arsenal have won both halves three of the last five times these teams have locked horns in the Premier League, and look big at 15/8 to do so again here.

More cautious punters will like the 8/11 odds regarding Arsenal heading into half-time and full-time in front meanwhile.

In terms of first scorer bets, Theo Walcott is certain to prove popular, after proving his worth as a striker this term with 18 goals in all competitions.

The pacy forward is 9/2 to break the deadlock, surprisingly longer than 4/1 Olivier Giroud, whose starting berth is not guaranteed.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.