Aston Villa’s 24-year spell in the Premier League concludes with a trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
This season has been one to forget for Villa, with only three Premier League wins so far this season and numerous defeats along the way, including an 11 game losing streak that ended last Saturday with Villa’s 0-0 draw against Newcastle at Villa Park.
Villa head into the game without Rudy Gestede who is ruled out through injury, whilst Jordan Veretout and Kieran Richardson are doubts. However, Aly Cissokho is once again available after he served his suspension after his red card at Watford.
However, Eric Black is likely to continue with his policy of leaving out Villa’s most talented attacking players, with Adama Traore likely to be nowhere near the squad and Jack Grealish likely to remain on the bench. It means that the woeful duo of Scott Sinclair and Leandro Bacuna are likely to be supporting Jordan Ayew going forward.
The hosts still have second place to play for, with Arsenal needing a win and hoping Spurs lose away to Newcastle in order to secure the runners-up spot.
Jack Wilshere could make his first start in the Premier League this season, whilst Mesut Ozil is expected to return having missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City last Sunday. Furthermore, Oliver Giroud is likely to keep his place in Arsenal’s starting XI following his return to form last weekend.
Prediction
Arsenal 5-0 Aston Villa
