Arsenal vs. Aston Villa – Can the Gunners Ruin Martinez’s Homecoming?

Arsenal’s forwards will bid to get the better of former teammate Emi Martinez when the Gunners host Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday.

Martinez spent several years as Arsenal’s back-up goalkeeper before an injury to Bernd Leno thrust him into the limelight last season. The Argentinean stopper performed admirably, helping his team win the FA Cup and enjoy a strong finish to the campaign.

Yet Arsenal then decided to keep faith in Leno and cash in on Martinez when a bid from Aston Villa emerged.

Aston Villa's Form Falters

It has proved to be a great decision for everyone involved. Arsenal were able to raise much-needed cash, which they used to help fund a move for Thomas Partey, who has been a revelation in midfield.

Martinez is now a first-team regular in the Premier League, and he helped Aston Villa make a very strong start to the new season.

Dean Smith’s men soared to the top of the table after winning their first four games of the campaign, including a famous 7-2 victory over champions Liverpool. However, their form has since gone off the boil somewhat.

Aston Villa lost 3-0 at home to Leeds on October 23, and then suffered a 4-3 home defeat to Southampton last time out.

Gunners Look Solid at the Back

That has seen Smith’s side slip down to eighth in the table, level on points with ninth-placed Arsenal.

The Gunners have endured a torrid schedule, having already faced Man City, Liverpool, Leicester and Man Utd in their opening seven games.

They had a couple of bad results, but bounced back with a morale-boosting 1-0 victory at Old Trafford last weekend.

Arsenal will rest key players for their Thursday night Europa League clash, so their big guns should be fresh for the Aston Villa game.

The Gunners never seem to blow opponents away under Mikel Arteta. They have the best defensive record in the league, despite already facing Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd away from home, but they have only managed nine goals in seven games.

Another low-scoring victory beckons on Sunday, as Arsenal should eventually break down Martinez’s resistance.

Tip: Arsenal to win and under 4.5 goals

Stake: One unit