English Premier League

English Premier League Saturday match previews with in-depth analysis of the fixture, including head-to-head and trends analysis.

Aston Villa Vs Arsenal

Aston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday. Arsenal have not lost a match at Villa Park in the previous 11 outings, in which the home side have lost five and drawn six times.  However, this Aston Villa side is yet to lose at home this season.  Arsenal come into this match at 3^rd position in the league table with 26 points from 14 games, behind leaders Chelsea and 2^nd placed Manchester United. Aston Villa are aiming for a European spot this season also, but currently they sit at a lowly 13^th position with 17 points from 14 matches. Villa come into this match with a disappointing 2-0 loss against Blackburn Rovers last weekend, when Arsenal also lost an enthralling derby match against Tottenham Hotspur by 2 goals to their 3. The Gunners will be without their inspirational captain Cesc Fabregas who suffered a midweek knock on Champions League duty, while Villa also anxiously await the news of their front man Gabriel Agbonlahor who has been struggling with illness. The man to watch will be Villa man Robert Pires who was once a favourite at Arsenal. He will most likely start against his previous club in tonight’s game.

Manchester United Vs Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers make the short trip south to play the red half of Manchester at Old Trafford. United come into this match with a well won victory over Rangers in midweek in which all the big stars were rested. In the league matches last week, United had emerged as the winner as it reduced a two point lead to only goal difference and now has the chance to go top of the league at least until Chelsea play Newcastle away tomorrow. Rovers are also buoyed by their superior performance against which blew away Aston Villa last week. This victory took them up to 11^th position in the league. However, United have not lost against Blackburn in the previous 9 matches in all competitions. The man to watch will be United’s blue eyed boy Wayne Rooney who has just come back from injury. He scored the only goal in the midweek match through a penalty.

Stoke City Vs Manchester City

In a clash between two teams in the top half of the Premier League, 8^th placed Stoke City welcome Championship aspirants and currently 4^th placed Manchester City to the Britannia Stadium. High flying Stoke have won their last 3 matches in a row against Birmingham, Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion, making this their best ever run in the Premier League. Manchester City are also unbeaten in their last 4 matches with 2 wins and 2 draws. the visitors will be without the services of defender Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry who are out with foot and ankle injuries respectively. The man to watch will be City skipper Tevez who has been in terrific form this season leading his team from the front.

Tags: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, English Premier League, EPL, Football, Manchester City, Manchester United, Stoke City