Arsenal v Aston Villa preview

Wenger's boys tackle in-form Villa without Eduardo

By James Pearson   Last updated: 29th February 2008

Arsenal v Aston Villa preview

No Eduardo for Wenger

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com predicts:
Arsenal 2 Aston Villa 1

SKY BET odds:
Arsenal 1/2 Draw 11/4 Villa 6/1

One to Watch: Theo Walcott

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Arsenal play for the first time without injured colleague Eduardo against Aston Villa at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Gunners lost the Croatia international for virtually the rest of the year following his harrowing leg break in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Birmingham.

Arsenal took until the second half of the St Andrews clash to get their minds back on the game and they will need to be mentally strong on Saturday against an in-form Villa outfit.

While The Gunners are looking to fend off Manchester United's challenge at the top of the Premier League ladder, Martin O'Neill's side are just three points off fourth-placed Everton.

Bendtner in?

With striker Robin van Persie unlikely to be risked as he looks to recover from a thigh injury, Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor are likely to lead the line with Eduardo out.

Midfielder Abou Diaby should return to the squad following three weeks out with a calf problem, although he is unlikely to usurp the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini or Theo Walcott in Arsene Wenger's starting XI.

A knee injury is keeping Kolo Toure on the sidelines so Philippe Senderos will partner captain William Gallas at the heart of Arsenal's defence.

Emmanuel Eboue is still suspended following his red card against Manchester United in the FA Cup while Alex Song (knee), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Johan Djourou (groin) remain sidelined.

Villa boost?

Villa defender Olof Mellberg is in line to return for O'Neill's troops as he is winning his fitness battle against the ankle knock which forced him out of last Sunday's win at Reading.

The Emirates is a special hunting ground for the Swedish defender as he was the first-ever Premier League goalscorer at Arsenal's new ground in their 1-1 draw back in August 2006.

Mellberg should replace Craig Gardner at right-back with Martin Larsen, Curtis Davies and Wilfred Bouma making up the rest of Villa's backline.

Midfielder Patrik Berger has recovered from a hamstring problem and could challenge for a place on the substitutes' bench.