High fliers: Villa face Arsenal test as Swans host Saints

Premier League pretenders Aston Villa face a litmus test in their encounter with Arsenal, whilst fellow current top four sides Swansea City and Southampton look to carry on their fine form at each other’s expense.

Heading in to the weekend, only juggernauts Chelsea have collected more points than the surprise packages of Villa, the Swans and Saints.

Aston Villa v Arsenal
Villa remain unbeaten in the Premier League this term, shocking both themselves and fans, and will surely pose a tough test for the visiting Gunners, who they are available at 4/1 to beat with Coral.

Following Paul Lambert’s new contract and his Birmingham-based boys’ 1-0 triumph over Liverpool last time out, a visit from Arsenal can hold little fear for a side who seem to have the rub of the green at the moment.

Of course every team needs a little luck, but Lambert’s men are also impressively organised. Villa limited Brendan Rodgers’ usually rampant Reds to just one shot on target, and are 4/1 to keep a clean sheet again, or 15/2 to win to nil.

Lambert is expected to name are largely unchanged side from the Villans’ Anfield victory. Skipper Ron Vlaar may stay sidelined with a calf injury, but Nathan Baker has proven himself a more than able replacement in Villa’s system. In a boost to the Birmingham-based club’s attack, which despite their impressive points tally remains a concern, midfield maestro Joe Cole could be set to return.

Arsenal, meanwhile, find themselves visiting Villa Park on the back of a disappointing 2-0 drubbing by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. The Gunners, who are odds-on favourites at 8/11 to beat the home side, desperately need to secure victory after winning just one league game so far.

Returning to north London with the spoils from this encounter would be a much-needed boost, and Arsene Wenger can feel confident that normal service will be resumed, as he prepares to welcome back Calum Chambers and Mathieu Flamini.

New boy Danny Welbeck netted twice at Villa Park for former club Manchester United last season, and is 7/1 to open his Arsenal account and bag a brace or better again. Clubmate Alexis Sanchez scored the Gunners’ equaliser against Manchester City last time out, and is also available at 5/1 to hit home last once more.