TEAM NEWS
Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is set to return for Arsenal after nine months out with an Achilles problem. Captain Cesc Fabregas(thigh) and midfielder Samir Nasri (hamstring) face late fitness tests. Abou Diaby (calf) andTomas Rosicky (thigh) are also out. However, full-back Gael Clichy is available again after missing the defeat at Stoke with a hamstring problem.
Villa defender Ciaran Clark is out. Assistant manager Gary McAllister confirmed that although Clark trained for nearly a full session on Friday, he will not travel due to a niggly hamstring problem. However, midfielder Jean Makoun does return to the squad after missing the last two matches with a dead leg injury.
MATCH FACTS
Aston Villa have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 Premier League matches.
Villa have won just one of the last 24 Premier League games against Arsenal, but have only lost once on four trips to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have conceded just two goals in their last nine Premier League games at the Emirates.
Abou Diaby has scored four goals in six Premier League games against Aston Villa.
If Villa win this match, they will have picked more points than any other Premier League team at the Emirates.
There has been a 90th minute goal scored in four of the last six meetings between Aston Villa and Arsenal.
The Gunners have won just two of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
The Emirates is the only stadium in the Premier League that has not seen a single goal scored with a shot from outside the box this season.
Robin van Persie has scored a goal every 99 minutes in the Premier League this season; a better record than any other player to have scored five or more goals.
30 different players have started a Premier League game for Aston Villa this season; a league-high alongside West Ham.
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