I would guess that Arsene does need the top three fastest players in the Arsenal squad against Aston Villa. Villa will play a counter attacking game against us and with players like Agbonlahor and Ashley Young running towards our goal

The snow has come and gone, Christmas has stopped off and then departed for another year, plenty food and drink has been consumed, now we can focus on the real issues in life, the mighty Arsenal.

The Gunners have been given an extra day rest thanks to Sky television. Boxing day usually the day when players trot back onto the pitch after father Christmas struts his stuff. Who needs tradition when large quantities of cash are involved?

With Chelsea slipping and sliding everywhere since their victory at the Emirates, Wenger’s boys have another chance to gain further points at the top of the table. Aston Villa come to the Emirates full of belief after an impressive run of results including victory at Old Trafford, a place where they have often stained their briefs long before kick off. This along with victory at the Emirates last season will probably show that the opposition will come with very little fear of our team.

Last season, Aston Villa were sharper and hungrier than a rather lethargic looking Arsenal and this must be flipped around this season. Martin O’Neill better be aware that he is facing a different Arsenal side this season, a team that has grown up and who are working for each other.

Wenger has informed us that Armand Traore is back and ready to take his place at left back should the manager need him. I would guess that Arsene does need the top three fastest players in the Arsenal squad against Aston Villa. Villa will play a counter attacking game against us and with players like Agbonlahor and Ashley Young running towards our goal, Arsene will want the security of the young Frenchman’s pace.

Arsene has rated captain Cesc Fabregas 50:50 to make the game but I believe that Cesc is more than ready to start the game and it is more of a case of keeping the opposition guessing. Even with an extended injury list, Wenger will still have a few tricky decisions to make. The Villains will try to dominate the midfield battle as they did so well last year and Wenger will want to counter that. The midfield trio of Diaby, Denilson and Song worked very well last weekend and is a strong engine room but Cesc automatically slots back into the team, 7 goals and 10 assist’s in the Premier League more than justifies that. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Diaby pushed further forward on the left of the attack which would allow Denilson, Song and Cesc to do their work in the middle of midfield.

I am guessing that Eduardo will be the one to drop out with Arshavin continuing as a center forward. Theo could be the ying to Diaby’s yang on the right wing ahead of Nasri, but having said that Nasri is in very good form of late and could continue on the right.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

A massive game for two sides, locked on the same points although our boys still have games tucked away for a rainy day. I expect a tough battle from an inform Villa. Whoever scores first will have a big chance to take control of the game. Hopefully Arsenal can strike first and collect another three points.