DID YOU KNOW?
* Don't expect this one to be settled early doors. There have been 90th minute goals in four of the last six meetings between the two.
* Who said Arsenal were dodgy at the back? The Gunners have only let in two goals in the last nine games at the Emirates.
* Aston Villa have forfeited 26 points from winning positions this season, a Premier League high.
* The Emirates is the only stadium in the Premier League that has yet to see a goal scored from outside the box this term.
* 57 per cent of the goals Arsenal have conceded this season have come from set-pieces, the worst record in the division.
* Robin van Persie has hit the back of the net once every 99 minutes this Premier League term - a record bettered by no-one else scoring more than five league goals.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Sczeszny; Sagna, Djourou, Vermaelen, Clichy; Song, Wilshere; Walcott, Ramsey, Arshavin; Van Persie.
Things are looking bleak for both Cesc Fabrgeas and Samir Nasri - both of whom are set to face late fitness tests. The positive comes in the possible return of Thomas Vermaelen, who has been sidelined with Achilles problems since August, with Andrey Arshavin - replaced at half-time against Stoke - probably likely to have another chance in the starting XI.
Aston Villa (4-4-2)
Friedel; L Young, Dunne, Collins, Walker; Petrov, Reo-Coker, Downing, A Young; Bent, Agbonlahor.
The visitors have almost a full squad to select from, with Jean Makoun the only absentee. Gary McAllister will contnue to deputise for Gerard Houllier on the touchline, while Nigel Reo-Coker looks set to partner Stilyan Petrov in the middle of the park.
Prediction
The Gunners should prove too strong on their home turf for a team who surely just want the season to be over. Arsenal have been tight at the back in their own back yard but I think Villa's wide men will cause them trouble, though not enough to prevent Arsene Wenger's side from winning the contest.
Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa 
