'I just don't see them being beaten'... Chris Sutton makes Aston Villa v Arsenal prediction

Aston Villa host Arsenal in Saturday’s late Premier League kick-off, with both teams in great form.

Unai Emery’s Villans are currently third in the standings, just four points off the table-topping Gunners.

Villa go into the Arsenal game having beaten Manchester City in midweek, so they’ll fancy their chances.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are also in great form, having won their last six matches in all competitions.

But if we’re talking about great winning runs, Villa have won their last 14 in a row at Villa Park.

Indeed, their last loss on home soil was back in February against Arsenal.

During that game, Villa led twice, but were pegged back before being defeated with two late goals.

‘Phenomenal’

BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has given his verdict on the website as to how Villa and Arsenal will fare.

He reckons that Saturday’s game won’t be as open as the one nine months ago, but feels it’ll be close, opting for a 1-1 draw.

“Aston Villa were brilliant against Manchester City,” began Sutton.

“And their home record is phenomenal with 14 wins in a row since their last defeat in the league at Villa Park.

“That came against the Gunners in February, who trailed twice but won 4-2 in dramatic style thanks to two stoppage-time goals.

“I don’t see this game being anywhere near as open, although I do think it will be close.

“Arsenal have shown their resilience in recent weeks and, the way they are playing at the moment, I just don’t see them being beaten.”

It’s certainly a hard game to call and there are good arguments to be made for either team winning.

For instance, Villa are hoping to win their opening eight home matches in a top-flight season for the first time since 1932-33.

The last time they had as many points from the opening 15 games of the league season was in 1980-81, when they won the title.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have the most points (55), wins (17) and clean sheets (14) in Premier League away fixtures since the beginning of last season.

If would be easy to sit on the fence, but I reckon Arsenal will have just enough to get the better of the hosts. I predict a 2-1 win for the Gunners.