Arsenal vs. Aston Villa: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Arsenal's push for third in the English Premier League table continues with a home fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday. The Gunners are finally back on form after a midseason lull, bringing a five-game winning streak into Wednesday's match with Everton.

Villa, meanwhile, have tumbled dangerously close to the relegation zone, though a 1-0 victory over Fulham earlier this month should prove crucial to their continued presence at the top flight of English football.

Arsenal emerged victorious from the last EPL meeting between these two, 2-1, behind goals by Robin van Persie and Yossi Benayoun, and knocked Villa out of the FA Cup in January at the Emirates, 3-2.

Where: The Emirates Stadium, London, England

When: Saturday, March 24th at 11:00 a.m. EDT

Watch: FOX Soccer Channel

Live Stream: FoxSoccer.tv

Most Important Player to Watch: Robin van Persie

If you were to make a list of the best players (or at least the best strikers) in the world right now, you'd likely put Lionel Messi at the top, followed somewhat closely by Cristiano Ronaldo and then...Robin van Persie.

The Flying Dutchman is the leading goalscorer in the Premiership by a hefty margin, having found the back of the net 26 times in 28 matches, and he ranks fourth in assists with 10 helpers.

RVP has been a one-man wrecking crew up front for Arsene Wenger this season, a trend he figures to continue against an Aston Villa club that's seen him score five goals in eight career appearances.

Key Matchup: RVP vs. Villa Back Line

Villa would be wise to check van Persie at every step. He scored the Gunners' first goal at Villa Park back in December and was responsible for the set cross that bounced off Benayoun's noggin and past Brad Guzan for a winner in the 87th minute—along with two more goals against them in their FA Cup tie earlier this year.

Come to think of it, Alex McLeish will need his entire defence to pull its weight after giving up a bevy of chances to an Arsenal attack that's in even better form now than it was then.

What They're Saying

Rejoice, Gooners! Jack Wilshere's ankle is finally fit.

Just don't expect Arsene Wenger to run him out onto the pitch right away. Now, it's a matter of the 20-year-old midfielder training and getting himself back into playing shape. As one might expect, Wenger is taking a cautious approach to Wilshere's return:

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"It is difficult to set a deadline on Jack. We go week by week with him. But his last scan was very good so we don't have worry anymore.

"It is about progress and fitness, however I can't set a date."

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Meanwhile, the Gunners have been busy preparing bids for their international transfer targets, as have Villa, who have agreed to a deal with Brett Holman of AZ Alkmaar. The 27-year-old Australian has spent a decade in Holland, where he's also starred for Excelsior and NEC.

Villa boss Alex McLeish spoke glowingly of his new forward:

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"Brett is a very intelligent player, a great team player and a man who is recognised in the game as a non-stop, committed wide midfielder player," Villa boss Alex McLeish said.

"He has international experience and has played in the Champions League. He will add significantly to the experience in the Villa squad."

 

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Prediction: Arsenal 3, Aston Villa 1

The Gunners are coming together at just the right time after struggling through inconsistency for most of the season. They'll hammer Villa's back line, just as they've done on both prior occasions this season.

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