As the festive schedule approaches, Premier League Gameweek 16 again promises much, as Aston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park.
With just four points between the two sides, high-flying Villa now look to challenge the elite.
Fresh from toppling Manchester City 1-0 in midweek, the hosts have dropped just two points in the last four.
Of perhaps greater note, impressively, the Villans are seven wins from seven on home turf.
Next up however, come an Arsenal side who have maximum league spoils since away defeat to Newcastle a month ago.
Saturday evening’s offering is potentially high stakes, but promises much.
Roaring Lions
Two sides who play some of the most attractive football anywhere in Europe right now, Villa and Arsenal look poised to deliver.
In the case of the former, the Birmingham outfit have given new life to the club’s famous lion crest emblazoned on its badge.
Preparing to go again. 👊 pic.twitter.com/9kTzdqRap4
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 8, 2023
Unai Emery’s men have turned Villa Park into an fortress, becoming real entertainers.
Indeed, in nine games this term, Villa have scored at least twice.
On home turf, the hosts put three past both Fulham and Luton, and netted four against Everton and West Ham.
More impressively, at the end of September, Villa hit a Brighton side who had started the season on fire, for six.
Gunners’ firepower
The weekend’s meeting is of great intrigue, as not to be outdone, Arsenal bring their own heavy artillery.
The Gunners have notched a staggering 13 goals in their last three in all comps, with seven different names on the scoresheet.
Mikel Arteta’s men arrive off a 4-3 win at Luton on Tuesday night, knowing they have twice put four past away opposition this term.
With their strongest XI now reassembled post-injury, Arsenal look formidable.
Punt on goals, set-pieces
Not only do both sides boast goals, their previous meetings suggest another thriller in a season spoilt for choice.
In six of their last 15 league meetings, over 3.5 goals have been scored, with Arsenal 4-2 winners back in February.
Goals seem almost guaranteed, but set-pieces could also dominate and corners in particular.
In 2/3 of Villa’s league games this term, over 9.5 corners have been tallied.
Over 10.5, 11.5 and 12.5 could all realistically land, at 7/5, 23/10 and 7/2 respectively, with BoyleSports.
A bold shot of BTTS and over 4.5 goals can be nabbed at 9/2, whilst over 2.5 1st half goals is a lofty 11/2, again with BoyleSports.
888Sport, meanwhile, have some interesting Bet Builders, first, with BTTS and over 7.5 corners at a decent 10/11.
BTTS and over 9..5 corners floats at 33/20, with an Arsenal win, over 2.5 goals and over 9.5 corners at 19/5.
One final worthy punt perhaps, over 4.5 goals and over 9.5 corners is a much taller 32/5 (just over 6/1).
Aston Villa play Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday, kick-off 17:30 GMT.
