Few people believe Arsenal would be a serious challenger to the Premier League , following a 1-3 defeat of Aston Villa in the opening match of the season . In the first week of the Premier League game ( 17/08/2013 ) , the Villa embarrass the hosts with two goals from Christian Benteke , and Luna . Grain goals the Gunners birth of Olivier Giroud . In subsequent trips , the strength of Arsene Wenger team finished doubled . Now , confident they travel to Villa Park with ambition reclaim the top standings of the hands of Manchester City .

The Citizens steal the throne after defeating the host while Newcastel United's two goals without reply . Manuel Pellegrini 's troops lead with 47 points from 21 matches . Arsenal are currently in third place with 45 points from 20 times a game , could reclaim the throne when brushing Aston Villa .

This action is also so perfect moment to avenge the defeat in the opener last season . Arsene Wenger will rely on the tall striker Olivier Giroud , who has just recovered from an injury and missed the last two games . Giroud so far the club's top scorers with eight goals . " He must first break , and I 'm sure he 'll be back with more fresh , and ready to score again , " said Wenger .

" Is he scored or not , his presence is still very important because he is a crucial part of the team . Ours is a collective team , and each player can score , " said the French coach .

Following injury to Theo Walcott to be pulled up to six months , and Nicklas Bendtner is also an ankle injury , Wenger was out of stock for the front lines . but the coach believes the return of Lukas Podolski would be a solution . " If there is a player with the accuracy of the shot is very accurate , it was the one Podolski . To my eyes , it was the final finisher I've ever seen , " said Wenger praised the German striker . " If you 're fit , he can play in a central position . If physically he is ready , then of course the presence of Podolski would be very helpful , " said Wenger .

Arsenal will also lose the Wales midfielder , Aaron Ramsey , Alex Oxlade - Chamberlain but the possibility can graze pulled back after five months due to knee problems .

Meanwhile, the Villa manager , Paul Lambert hopes his team can repeat the upset victory at the Emirates Stadium . Although , of course, hopes it somewhat difficult to realize because they have a poor home record . Villa have only ever won twice at Villa Park in the Premier League event this season . They also ridiculed the supporters last weekend after a surprise cut off Sheffield United in the FA Cup .

In addition, Arsenal have a brilliant record at Villa Park . They have not lost there since December 1998 , packing seven wins and seven series . "Admittedly , no one dared predict we could beat Arsenal today . They have classy players like Mesut Ozil , and a fantastic coach Arsene Wenger , " said

Lambert . He just asked his players to play with a loose , carefree , in order to perform to the maximum . " We have to play with without a load . We also have to be good at playing without the ball , keep the position in the discipline . I know , we could hurt them if we play with creative , " said Lambert .

Forces Villa is quite complete in this prestigious game . Brad Guzan , and Gabby Agbonlahor is fit and ready to re-sod . The only player whose condition pillar captain Ron Vlaar is dubious .

Estimated Lineups Aston Villa vs Arsenal:

Aston Villa ( 4-4-2 ) : Guzan ; Lowton , Vlaar , Clark , Luna ; Bacuna , Westwood , Delph , Weimann ; Benteke , Agbonlahor .
Reserves : J Steer , A. Tonev , J. Bowery , J. Donacien , K. El Ahmadi , Y. Sylla , G. Gardner
Coach : Paul Lambert

Arsenal ( 4-2-3-1 ) : Szczesny ; Sagna , Mertesacker , Koscielny , Monreal ; Arteta , Flamini ; Rosicky , Wilshere , Cazorla ; Giroud .
Reserves : T. Vermaelen , M. Özil , C. Jenkinson , Chu - Young Park , E. Viviano , L. Podolski , S Gnabry
Coach : Arsene Wenger