Arsenal fans with a glass half empty disposition could be forgiven for fearing Grealish slaloming towards David Luiz in the penalty area.
BT Sport’s Script puts Arsenal winning 6-1. It did predict Leicester beating Spurs, and a scoreless draw at St.James’ Park.
In their last five meetings Arsenal have won five, scored 18 and conceded none. Villa have two clean sheets from three matches this season.
Villa have a couple of players out – Kodjia, and Chester – with Trezeguet returning.
Wesley has settled in well up front and holds it up well for the on-rushing McGinn and Grealish. Engels and Mings have formed a good central defensive partnership, backed up by Tom Heaton in goal.
They put up a good performance against Spurs and were 0-1 up for three quarters of the match and were unlucky not to draw at Crystal Palace. So the game may be trickier than traditional perceptions.
Some odds include:
Aubameyang to score first: 13/5
Over 3.5 goals at the Emirates: 21/20
Arsenal to blow another two-goal lead: 12/1
Seems a long time since Arsenal were fighting Villa for 4th place.