Paul Merson Gives title verdict in ‘huge’ Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction

In advance of this Saturday’s Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park (5:30pm), Paul Merson has predicted the score.

Villa, fresh off an incredible 1-0 victory against Manchester City on Wednesday, will play host to the league leaders. Villa’s unbeaten home run now stands at 14 league games after Leon Bailey scored the game-winning goal in the second half.

A win for the hosts would see Unai Emery’s side move just one point behind the Gunners. They will head to B6 unbeaten in their last four games.

Arsenal could be without five key players for Aston Villa clash

With that said, Merson believes Mikel Arteta’s men will claim another win. He told Sportskeeda: “Aston Villa absolutely dominated Manchester City and came away with a deserved 1-0 win in midweek.

“I haven’t seen a team do that to Man City in God knows how long, so it was a huge statement of intent from Unai Emery and Co. If Aston Villa win here, they are in the title race. I just have to say it.

“They worked really hard against Man City, but I think Arsenal will win this one. I don’t think the full-backs will be able to handle players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka if Arsenal can overcome the Villa press with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park.

“I’ve said it a lot—Kai Havertz is a great player and an excellent addition to Arsenal. He might start against Villa, but I don’t think they could utilize him because he would be essential to breaking their press.”

Merson’s prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal

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