Arsenal have hit some fine form of late, with Arsène Wenger’s side particularly impressing in their 2-0 win away at Premier League champions Manchester City in their last league game. They’re now only a point adrift of Manchester United and the top four, and will feel confident of recording another victory at home to struggling Aston Villa on Sunday.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
Arsenal will look to continue their good form with a win over relegation-threatened Aston Villa on Sunday.
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Paul Lambert's Villans haven't won a single league game since early December, and are now just three points above the relegation zone. They need to start picking up wins and fast, or they could quickly start being dragged deep into the trouble at the bottom. The good news is they've bought well in the January transfer window, and new attacker Carles Gil could make his first league start after impressing in their cup game last weekend.
Key player - Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Attacking midfield Santi Cazorla seems to go through long spells of not really doing much at all, though he ran the show in the Gunners’ excellent win against City in their last league match. If he carries on in such form, Aston Villa could well struggle to stop Wenger’s outfit.
Key matchup - Carlos Sánchez vs. Arsenal's attacking midfielders
The potential absences of Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sánchez threaten to make Arsenal's attack worryingly one-paced and narrow. It would likely resort in three central midfielders playing in their attacking midfield band, which, while enabling them to dominate possession, could also make it easy for Villa to sit deep and compact and soak up the pressure. The man at the heart of the Villans' defence will be Colombian Carlos Sánchez, who is expected to anchor their midfield.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin), Mikel Arteta (ankle), Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder), Abou Diaby (calf), Jack Wilshere (ankle). In doubt: Danny Welbeck (thigh), Alexis Sánchez (hamstring).
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Libor Kozák (broken leg), Philippe Senderos (calf). In doubt: Ron Vlaar (knee), Joe Cole, Gabriel Agbonlahor (hamstring), Fabian Delph (calf), Ciaran Clark (foot).
Arsenal wouldn't be Arsenal without a string of first-teamers unavailable, would they? True to form, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is sidelined alongside Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy and Jack Wilshere, though Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sánchez both face late fitness tests. Villa are a little better off; their only certain absentees are the long-term injured Libor Kozák and Philippe Senderos, with several others -- including regulars Ron Vlaar, Gabby Agbonlahor and Fabian Delph all hoping to recover in time to make kickoff.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local, 8:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, England, London
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), TSN, RDS 2 (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.), TSN (Canada)
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