Aston Villa vs. Arsenal: Preview and TV schedule

Aston Villa come to the end of a difficult run by facing Arsenal at home in the Premier League.

The game is the last of a trio of dificult fixtures for the Villans, who lost their last two games against Manchester United and Manchester City. The results have left them lingering near the relegation zone, and Paul Lambert is desperate to move up the table, saying: "The bottom three is not where I want to be, that's for sure. Myself, the club or the fans don't want to be there or near that. But I also know the bigger picture and it's not just a quick fix."

Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, will hope to build some solid form for his side which have been typically inconsistent. Improved performances from the likes of Olivier Giroud and Per Mertesacker should boost confidence in the Gunners, and Wenger will be hoping that they can do the job in a potentially tricky encounter.

Out: Charles N'Zogbia (knee), Joe Bennett (knee), Chris Herd (knee), Richard Dunne (groin)

Out: Theo Walcott (shoulder), Andre Santos (stomach muscle), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh)

Darren Bent returns for Aston Villa after being absent for three games, and will be available for selection along with Eric Lichaj, who is also returning from injury.

Gervinho and Kieran Gibbs are ready to return for Arsenal after being in the squad for their midweek fixture against Montpellier.