Deal with the Villa speed merchants Mr Wenger

By 1970's Gooner

We need to win this game to go to the top of the League. Nearly all punters inclusive of a lot of Arsenal fans consider that the title is Man City's to loose. And they are right as they have the deepest squad full of quality. And if they do manage to throw it away then Chelsea need to falter up too.

But wait a minute all these punters are forgetting that if Arsenal win tonight then the others have to catch us. In a way we are the ones that potentially could throw it away!

Tonight's game could be hiding a lot of traps for Arsenal.

The first is that of overconfidence as everybody bar most of the Villa supporters expect us to win. Our easy win against Spurs also can impact in the Arsenal players' mind. This needs to be resisted.

The second is the fact that Villa have already beaten us this season. This means that they can feel confident that they have the measure of Arsenal. Believe me this is a strong incentive for a team with the inner belief of being able to spring a surprise.

But what Wenger needs to especially address on this occasion is to counteract Villa's speed merchants in Abgonlahor and Benteke.

Villa are likely to adopt the same tactics as in the game at the Emirates. They will allow Arsenal possession, press the creative players allowing them little room and once the ball is won release the speedsters on the counter attack. Arsenal's defenders will have to be concentrated and astute enough to stick close to these two in order to prevent them from inflicting damage.

Wenger will likely start with the more experienced star performers in the game with Spurs keeping Gnarby on the bench. He needs wise heads in this tricky away game.

                     Szczesny

Sagna  Mertesacker Koscienly Monreal

                   Arteta Wilshere

         Rosicky    Ozil   Cazorla

                    Giroud