Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Team News, Likely Line-up & Predicted Score

Arsenal host Aston Villa at the Emirates this Sunday in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

After Arsene Wenger guided Arsenal to four FA Cups triumphs in his first nine years at the club, some Arsenal fans got to comfortable and decided that the FA Cup was no longer a ‘big trophy’ anymore. We had more important things to worry about, apparently.

Well fast forward six years and most would now give their left nut to see Van Persie lifting the FA Cup at Wembley in May. Even Arsene Wenger seems to be giving it more respect this year, as he knows this is our only realistic chance of silverware this season.

With that in mind, victory over Aston Villa on Sunday is of vital importance and after the dramatics of last weeked and the abuse vented towards Wenger, i would urge any fans attending the game this weekend to get behind the team AND manager and help the team get in the hat for the next round.

Team News

Arsene gave a full injury update on Arsenal.com yesterday and revealed that Jack Wilshere has suffered a set back and is now awaiting results of a scan to see what the damage is.

Thierry Henry, Bacary Sagna and Mikel Arteta could all return, but will require late fitness tests. Johan Djourou has a slight hamstring strain and misses out, but Francis Coquelin returns.

Kieran Gibbs returns to full training next week but will not take part against Villa, still missing are Jenkinson, Santos and Daiby. While Chamakh and Gervinho are still away at the African Cup of Nations.

Aston Villa have Agbonlahor, Heskey and Ireland back in contention following returns from injury. However, N’Zogbia, Cuellar and Herd all remain out.

Likely Line-ups

Both Coquelin and Yennaris deserve a chance at right back, but i feel Coquelin is slightly more experienced so should get the nod. Ideally Henry would be playing in games like this, but after returning from injury he may not be fully fit. Chamberlain should certainly continue on the left after his performance last weekend.

I don’t feel we should risk Arteta, so unless he’s 100% fit I say leave him on the bench. However, Ramsey in the advanced role isn’t working for me. I think he should drop back to a more defensive role and let Rosicky play in behind Van Persie. The rest of the side picks itself.

Predicted Score

Arsenal have lost three of their last four games in all competitions in 2012, with only a narrow 1-0 victory against Leeds to boast about. The form has not been good enough and make no mistake, Aston Villa are not going to roll over on Sunday.

However, i think the Gunners will have just enough to edge past the Villains. No doubt our good old friend Robbie Keane will play a blinder and get on the scoresheet, as he always seems to do again us, but i predict a 2-1 win for The Arsenal.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below…