Arsenal vs Aston Villa

ARSENAL Szczesny Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Monreal Wilshere, Arteta, Cazorla Podolski, Giroud, Walcott

ASTON VILLA Guzan Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Bennett Delph, Westwood, Ireland Weimann, Agbonlahor Benteke

Arsenal will be without Bacary Sagna (knee) after he injured himself in the 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in midweek, so Carl Jenkinson should start at right back, with the Englishman's three-match suspension having run its course.

Kieran Gibbs (thigh) remains sidelined so Nacho Monreal will return at left back after being cup-tied for the Champions League tie. Per Mertesacker will therefore probably make way and Thomas Vermaelen will move back to center back.

Olivier Giroud could start the game after he was introduced from the bench during the week, while Mikel Arteta will face competition from a fit again Abou Diaby in central midfield.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, could have Charles N'Zogbia (knee) back, although he may start from the bench. Richard Dunne (groin and hip) suffered a setback in his recovery , so is unlikely to play, elsewhere in defence, Chris Herd (foot) is also out.

Mark Albrighton (foot) and Gary Gardner (knee) remain long-term absentees, while Fabian Delph came through unscathed against West Ham so should continue in the starting XI. Paul Lambert may also have Gabriel Agbonlahor and Karim El Ahmadi back in contention after they missed the clash with the Hammers with illness.

• Arsenal has only scored one goal fewer (50) than it had at this point of its ‘Invincibles’ season of 2003-04.

• Arsene Wenger's side havs created fewer goalscoring chances from corners than any other side this season.
  

• The Gunners have won only two of their last six home games against The Villans in the Premier League.

• Defeat to the Midlands outfit would be the north Londoner's third home loss in a row, the first time they've been on such a run at the Emirates Stadium.

• Aston Villa has only scored 16 goals in 20 away trips to Arsenal in the Premier League.
  

• Christian Benteke (pictured) has now scored in five successive appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions.

• Villa has been shown more yellow cards than any other Premier League team this season (54), while Arsenal has been shown the least (24).