Arsenal play their first of five extremely difficult matches in succession this evening when they travel north to face Aston Villa. The Gunners’ list of opponents for the next month is astonishing, with the period between now and the end of Arsenal’s match against Liverpool on February tenth likely to make or break their season. Starting with Villa today, the Gunners will face United at home on Sunday, Chelsea away a week later, Liverpool on February ten before facing a tricky European tie away to Porto the following Wendnesday.

It is imperative, then, that Arsenal take as many points as they can. Seven games from the next three matches will put is in pole position for the League title, while poor showings in the next couple of games could see us trailing in the wake of United and Chelsea. A win today is vital if we want to sustain our title push, and keep in touch with first place.

With so many players out, today’s game is going to be a tough ask. But with most of the squad rested against Stoke, hopefully they will be fresh enough to put in a good showing. Missing from the side today will be Robin van Persie, Fran Merida, Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby, Johan Djourou, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Song, Emmanuel Eboue, Samir Nasri and possibly Jack Wilshere. That leaves the most likely lineup looking something like this:

Eduardo – Arshavin – Rosicky
Ramsey – Fabregas – Denilson
Clichy – Vermaelen – Gallas – Sagna
Almunia

BENCH: Fabianski, Silvestre, Traore, Eastmond, Emmanuel-Thomas, Vela, Walcott.

If there are changes to that line-up, it will most likely be the inclusion of Theo Walcott. This would probably be at the expense of Aaron Ramsey, with Tomas Rosicky moving into a midfield role. Carlos Vela may also find himself starting today, possibly on the left instead of Eduardo, or in a central role with Arshavin moving wide. I think this is unlikely though, and I will be surprised if the starting eleven is stark in contrast to the one I posted above.

Arsenal’s injury woes are softened by the fact that Villa boss Martin O’Neill isn’t without his own fitness concerns. Midfielder Stilian Petrov is under a heavy injury cloud, while Salifou, Reo-Coker, Albrighton, Bouma, Harewood and Warnock are all out. This mini injury crisis that has hit the Villans has had a definite impact on their form. They’ve not scored in their last three league games, and and despite the fact that they have the equal best defensive record in the League, Villa have only taken a solitary point in that time.

The Clarets do boast some dangerous players, particularly Milner, Young and Agbonlahor, but Arsenal should be too much for them today. The squad for today’s game is the strongest we’ve been able to assemble in some time, and the team will be keen to put Sunday’s loss to Stoke behind them. Here’s hoping for a victory and a good start to the run of tough games.

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