Arsene Wenger is under pressure, relatively speaking. Aston Villa are under even greater pressure. Villa’s pressure is absolute – if the side doesn’t build on the victory over West Ham two weeks ago, relegation is inevitable. If Arsenal don’t begin to pick up some results, Wenger’s previously untouchable status will begin to feel the weight of some genuine questions.

Paul Lambert has gone full-scale with his clichés this week, explaining that the Villans have “twelve cup finals” to play before the end of the season. Perhaps that’s wishful thinking given that Arsenal have lost their last two matches, which have both been cup games and both have been at the Emirates Stadium, where Villa will travel to on Saturday. Lambert’s men will undoubtedly have to illustrate an effort that would be fitting of a cup final if they are to come away with anything because the wounded Gunners may well be at their most ferocious this weekend.

Arsenal are a good side, whatever seems to be reported and repeated on a regular basis about their inherent ability to capitulate when they are in vital need of a result. For Villa fans, that will sound rather familiar because the claret and blues have infrequently done as required this campaign, which is why they find themselves in a lowly, rather uncomfortable seventeenth place. Victory at the Emirates on Saturday seems somewhat unlikely, but it is not an impossibility. In fact, Villa might just be able to cause an upset for a number of reasons.

With the deployment of Charles N’Zogbia on the right hand side to considerable effect against West Ham, the Frenchman, whose stature in Villa’s season is growing by the game, could be the man to dismantle the left-side of Arsenal’s defence, which has been a perpetual concern for the North Londoners. Bayern Munich, though something of a different opponent to Aston Villa, exploited that weakness to maximum effect; and while it would be downright insulting to even compare Matthew Lowton to Philippe Lahm, the Villa man does have an ability to overlap and support N’Zogbia in the more advanced areas of the right flank.

Lambert has been an advocate of the widely popularised 4-2-3-1 formation this season and the gap between the opposition’s defence and midfield might just be one that the Scot will look to trouble, with Andi Weimann’s link-up play with Benteke placing him as key contender for that role. Arsenal play with defensive midfielders but they are far more expansive than most, with Wilshere and Arteta often found wanting defensively. Diligence is also imperative if Villa are to survive and therefore, the inclusion of Stephen Ireland would be difficult to envisage.

Although it has become an example of truism when discussing Arsenal, physicality is something with which they don’t deal well. According to Premier League statistics, Aston Villa have the worst disciplinary record in the English top flight this season, which is perhaps an illustration of incessant struggle; but, by the same token, it could highlight the aggression that has become a cornerstone of Villa’s play. Certainly, it would be beneficial if they can show aggression, in a positive manner, on Saturday. Away from home, the Villans are also the second highest most formidable side in the league when it comes to aerial duels won.

Indeed, aerial challenges may well require winning if Villa are to get anything from the game. Just below Manchester City, Arsenal are the second highest team in terms of the average possession percentage statistics and the Gunners have the highest pass accuracy in the league. Therefore, Villa scoring from open play is less probable than conversion of set pieces, as evidenced in the match against West Ham.

In Theo Walcott, Arsenal have a player on form and determined to make an impact. His pace will be a constant threat, naturally, but perhaps this will be nullified by the deep backline often employed by Lambert. The true architects are undoubtedly Wilshere and Cazorla, though, and the battle will be won or lost in midfield. The return of Karim Al-Ahmadi from the African Cup of Nations could be essential to elevating the workrate and mobility in the centre of the pitch and Fabian Delph ought to make way. Ashley Westwood has a superior passing ability and in spite of his own goal last time out, protects the defence better than Delph if only due to his more level-headed style.

Ultimately, Aston Villa face a great test on Saturday in the shape of an Arsenal side that will be fighting for their manager and their fans who are discontented at present. The game is one that Arsenal will be desperate to win but one from which Villa will need to take at least a point. The performance will have to be gritty and aggressive, as it regularly is away from home. Villa will find themselves on the back foot more often than not so must seize any opportunities afforded to them. Darren Bent’s presence on the pitch might be tactically opportune but more importantly, each Villa player must be working for their manager and for their fans.

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