Is Aston Villa vs Arsenal on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
Arsenal will likely be using their third-choice goalkeeper when they head to Aston Villa this weekend, in another chance for Alex Runarsson to impress after joining the Gunners in the summer. It hasn’t gone to plan for the Icelandic stopper so far, with a few high-profile errors being made, but he’s the probable man between the sticks at Villa Park.
That’s on account of Bernd Leno being suspended and new backup stopper Mat Ryan carrying an injury, meaning Mikel Arteta will again turn to Runarsson. Leno was one of two players sent-off against Wolves in the week, the other being David Luiz, who will also be missing here as a result.
The Gunners could be boosted by a return to the starting line-up for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard will also be hoping for a first start since joining from Real Madrid.
READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table – all matches by date and kick-off time
Aston Villa have their own selection dilemmas as they have embarked on a poor run of form, losing 3-1 to West Ham most recently to make it just six points taken from the last six league games. Both Arsenal and Villa sit just inside the top half of the table, but a win here for either will again spark hopes of challenging for a place in the Europa League for next term.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
When is the match?
Independent Football Newsletter
Get the latest football headlines direct to your inbox twice a week
Read our full mailing list consent terms here
Independent Football Newsletter
Get the latest football headlines direct to your inbox twice a week
Read our full mailing list consent terms here
The game kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, 6 February at Villa Park.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate. It can also be streamed for subscribers via the BT Sport app and desktop website.
What is the team news?
Aston Villa are without centre-back Kortney Hause and striker Wesley. Dean Smith may look to make changes after a run of poor results, with Morgan Sanson potentially in line for his first start.
Arsenal are missing the suspended pair of Bernd Leno and David Luiz, while stand-in goalkeeper Mat Ryan is also a doubt – meaning Alex Runarsson will play in goal. Kieran Tierney is another likely absentee for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Predicted line-ups
AST: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Traore, Sanson, Grealish; Watkins
ARS: Runarsson; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Saka; Thomas, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Odds
Aston Villa – 17/10
Draw – 45/17
Arsenal – 30/17
Prediction
Which Arsenal side will turn up? They looked good against Wolves until the final pass – then imploded to cost themselves at least a point. Villa will surely fancy their chances of getting a result if they attack enough to put pressure on a so-far shaky Runarsson in goal. Villa 2-2 Arsenal.
Source: Read Full Article