TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Squad sheets: Arsenal v Aston Villa A crucial match for both sides appears to be particularly defining for the visitors. Aston Villa entered the new season concerned that they would fail to make the Europa League but having won their last four matches, including a 1-0 triumph at Old Trafford, they are now well ensconced in the Champions League places. Victory over Arsenal would not only see Villa strengthen their position further by leapfrogging the Londoners into third, it would also give their supporters real cause to dream of a title assault in 2010. Sachin NakraniVenue Emirates StadiumTickets Sold outLast season Arsenal 0 Aston Villa 2Referee P DowdThis season's matches 15 Y48, R4, 3.47 cards per gamesportingbet odds Arsenal 3-5 Aston Villa 17-4 Draw 5-2ArsenalSubs from Fabianski, Mannone, Senderos, Ramsey, Mérida, Eboué, Wilshere, VelaDoubtful NoneInjured Fábregas (hamstring, 30 Dec), Traoré (hamstring, 30 Dec), Bendtner (groin, Jan), Clichy (back, Jan), Rosicky (groin, Jan), Gibbs (ankle, Feb), Djourou (knee, Apr), Van Persie (ankle, Apr)Suspended Nasri (first of three)Form guide WDWWLLDisciplinary record Y26 R0Leading scorers Fábregas, Van Persie 7Aston VillaSubs from Guzan, Delph, Sidwell, Reo-Coker, Beye, Collins, Gardner, Delfouneso, Heskey, Albrighton, Salifou, ClarkDoubtful Gardner (back), Heskey (groin)Injured Davies (shoulder, Jan 17), Bouma (ankle, unknown)Suspended NoneForm guide WWWWDDDisciplinary record Y34 R2Leading scorer Agbonlahor 8Match pointers• Aston Villa are the only Premier League side never to have lost at the Emirates• Arsenal have the most prolific attack in the division (44 goals scored) while Villa have the meanest defence (14 conceded)• John Carew has scored three goals after coming off the bench in the Premier League this season – more than any other player• Cesc Fábregas has scored Arsenal's earliest (6min 55sec) and latest (89min 41sec) league goals this season• If Aston Villa win this match they will equal their best ever Premier League run of five successive wins set in 1996 and repeated in 1998ArsenalAston VillaPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Fabregas focused on injury, not possible transfer Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas played down speculation that his future lies outside the Premier League as he works to overcome a hamstring injury. cbc.ca |
Scotland manager Craig Levein insists upon old friend Michael Oliver as full-time scout Full-time scout Michael Oliver will try to tip balance in Scotland's favour. telegraph.co.uk |
Stoke in talks with Portsmouth over David James loan deal Stoke hope to sign England goalkeeper David James in time for Saturday's Premier League clash with Liverpool. telegraph.co.uk |
Juve Fans Banned From Italian Cup Match at Inter MILAN (AP) -- Juventus fans were banned from the Italian Cup match at Inter Milan on Thursday because of race-related incidents involving supporters in games between the teams. feeds.nytimes.com |