"Mikel Arteta's side squandered a two-goal lead at the Emirates Stadium when the teams last met, in January, Arsenal dropping two points, their title charge dented. With such little margin for error, it was the kind of day that boosted Liverpool and crystallised the sense that the Gunners would come up short. Villa also defeat Arsenal in 2023-24, abruptly halting Arteta's six-game winning streak. Now Arsenal are in a different position, at the summit with a five-point lead and six clear of Unai Emery's team."
"Bournemouth have looked tired recently and Tuesday night's loss to Everton meant they have collected one point from their past five games. Andoni Iraola did his best to freshen his side up by leaving Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier out of the starting lineup for that match but it was seemingly detrimental. Junior Kroupi has failed to score in the past five matches, while Evanilson has only one goal all season."
Arsenal previously dropped points to Aston Villa after squandering a two-goal lead in January and also lost to Villa in 2023-24, which halted a six-game winning run. Arsenal now sit top of the table with a five-point advantage and a win at Villa Park would reinforce their position as title favorites. Aston Villa have lost only once in the league since August, making the fixture a significant test. Bournemouth have shown fatigue, earning one point from their last five games and losing to Everton. Enes Unal could be introduced to refresh Bournemouth's attack after a long injury layoff and brief recent impact as a substitute.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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