Arsenal vs Aston Villa Prediction 18 January 2025

🔊 What will Unai Emery's second meeting with his former team this season turn into? The central event of the 22nd round of the Premier League is rightfully considered the match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the "Emirates." For both teams, points are currently worth their weight in gold. The hosts are fighting for the championship, while the guests are aiming for a top-4 finish. Bookmakers see the Londoners as clear favorites, which is important to consider when making a prediction. Also note that the game will be officiated by a team of referees led by Chris Kavanagh. In the 2024/25 season, the Englishman has already officiated two matches involving the "Gunners," and in both cases, Mikel Arteta's men dropped points.

📊 Head-to-Head

Last season in this matchup was won by Aston Villa, who won both meetings without conceding a goal (1:0; 2:0). However, in the first round of the current campaign, the "Gunners" came out on top, also not allowing their opponent to score (2:0). Thus, bets on total under 2.5 goals and Both Teams to Score (No) have played three times in a row.

🔴 Arsenal

For Arsenal, last round's match was special. Firstly, it was important for the "Gunners" to break their winless streak, and secondly, it was the North London derby, a name that obliges them to give their all. Mikel Arteta's protégés succeeded in their task, securing a comeback victory with a score of 2:1, which brought them closer to Liverpool, who dropped points. However, poor finishing was once again evident. Kai Havertz missed a couple of good chances, highlighting the need for a forward purchase. Speaking of forwards, the "red and whites" took to the pitch wearing shirts in support of Gabriel Jesus, who tore his cruciate ligaments. Apart from the Brazilian, Saka, Nwaneri, White, and Tomiyasu are injured.

🦁 Aston Villa

While Arsenal has played five matches in the new year, Aston Villa has played only three, and Unai Emery's men won all three. In the last round, they spoiled David Moyes' return to Everton by narrowly defeating the "Toffees." The winning goal, as in the recent cup game against West Ham (2:1), was created by Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, but this time the former assisted the latter. After a shaky end to 2024, the "Villans" have gained momentum and are now close to the top-6. Even injuries can't stop them, although John McGinn, Ross Barkley, and Pau Torres are important players.

⚽️ Goal Prediction

Rarely do head-to-head meetings between these teams delight with high scoring, and given Arsenal's injured leaders, we wouldn't expect a change in trend. We suggest making a cautious bet on total under 3.5 goals, which has played in 5 consecutive home matches for the "Gunners" and in 5 consecutive away matches for Aston Villa in the Premier League.

🚩 Corner Prediction

We all know how much importance the "Gunners" place on set-pieces, especially corners. They average 8.6 corner kicks per home match, while Aston Villa averages 4.9 per away match. The statistics allow us to bet on total over 9.5 corners, which has played in 5 consecutive head-to-head matches between the teams at the "Emirates."

📝 Match Prediction

Given Arsenal's incredibly packed schedule and incomplete squad, we highly doubt that the upcoming match will be easy for the hosts. An in-form Aston Villa is capable of at least surprising if not shocking the "Emirates," similar to last season. Our editorial team believes that the guests will play smartly as the second number and take points from the capital. The predicted score of the match is 1:1, and Scores24's key bet is Aston Villa will score. The "Lions" have scored in 9 out of their last 10 matches.