Follow every kick as Arsenal take on Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League
on 27-Dec-2009, kick off time 13:30
Arsenal v Aston Villa Live
Arsenal and Aston Villa lock horns at Emirates Stadium in what must be one of the stand-out games over the festive period. With Arsenal homing in on Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table, they must deal with the in-form Villains, who have a top-four finish and Champions League qualification dreams of their own following a excellent start to the campaign. Martin O'Neill's side have won their last four league fixtures without conceding, which included an admirable 1-0 away day success at Manchester United. They are also on an unbeaten run of eight games in all competition with their attacking unit of John Carew, Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner and Ashley Young beginning to fire for the Midlands outfit. Arsene Wenger will know his youthful side must be on their guard ahead of the showdown as Villa should pose a tougher test than the one Hull City offered on Saturday evening, where the Gunners romped to an easy 3-0 success. They have now picked up ten points from a possible 12 as they seem to have put their disappointing 3-0 loss to Chelsea on November 29 out of their system. Arsenal will be without Tomas Rosicky (groin), Kieran Gibbs (fracture metatarsal), Robin Van Persie (ankle), Gael Clichy (back), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Johan Djourou (knee). Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas and Armand Traore, both with hamstring concerns, face a race against time to make the Boxing Day fixture. O'Neill may have to choose his side without Emile Heskey's after he limped out of Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke City with a groin injury. Craig Gardner is also struggling with a back injury. Wilfred Bouma (ankle) and Curtis Davies (dislocated shoulder) will definitely be out for the visitors.
Source: DSG
