Goodforthegame | Arsenal v Aston Villa, FA Cup Round 4

Home

Football

English Football Latest

Arsenal v Aston Villa, FA Cup Round 4

Written by Chris Sturdy

The final action of the weekend in FA Cup Round 4 is an all Premier League clash at The Emirates where out of sorts Arsenal host Aston Villa.

Arsenal have suffered three successive Premier League defeats to lose ground in the race for a top four spot. Losses away from home at Fulham (2-1) and Swansea (3-2) were followed by a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United. The defeat to United was Arsenal's second home loss of the season in the league but they also bowed out of the Carling Cup when beaten by Manchester City at this ground and when they have won at home against the likes of QPR and Everton in recent times, it has been by the minimum margin. The third round saw Arsenal drawn at home to Championship side Leeds and a late winner from Thierry Henry on his return to the club saw them edge their way through. The Champions League, where Arsenal have been paired with AC Milan resumes in mid February and forthcoming league games against struggling Bolton and Blackburn could see Arsenal bounce back to winning ways but it could be the FA Cup is their best chance of silverware this season. To that end, Arsene Wenger's team selection will be of significant interest, especially after he came under fire for his choice of substitutions last weekend.

Villa's Premier League stats show they have gained more points on their travels than they have at Villa Park. They have only lost two of eleven Premier League road trips, winning three and drawing six. The defeats came at Manchester City (4-1) and Spurs (2-0) but including a 3-1 win in the FA Cup third round at League 2 Bristol Rovers, Villa have won four and drawn one of their last five road trips. Recent wins at Wolves (3-2), Chelsea (3-1) and Bolton (2-1) see Villa occupy a mid table position and with no realistic possibility of challenging the top six and little threat of being dragged into a relegation battle, the FA Cup really ought to be firmly in their sights.

In the head to heads, the league meeting between these teams earlier this season took place at Villa Park and Arsenal grabbed the points with a late van Persie goal in a 2-1 win. Villa's last trip here came at the end of last season and they won it 2-1 with two early goals from Darren Bent. Four of the last five meetings (either ground) have seen backers of over 2.5 goals collect.

The Betting - Match Result

Arsenal 6/10 Sportsbet, Ladbrokes

Draw 33/10 BetXchange, World Sports Betting

Villa 5/1 BetXchange, World Sports Betting, Sportsbet

Selected Others

Double Chance Draw/Villa 15/10 Sportsbet

Under 2.5 goals even money World Sports Betting, Ladbrokes

Over 2.5 goals 8/10 BetXchange, World Sports Betting, Sportingbet

Both teams to score (yes) 8/10 BetXchange, Ladbrokes

Odds are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Some bookmakers may not have priced up on all markets at the time of publication. Remember you can bet in play where available.

The Verdict

In the current climate when even Arsene Wenger comes under fire from arsenal fans I'm going to give Villa a shout on the Double Chance at what is a nice top price here. They have been hard to beat away from home and this competition really ought to be on the radar.

Bet: Double Chance Draw/Villa 15/10 Sportsbet

More Recent Articles: