What channel is Aston Villa vs Arsenal on? Kick-off time, TV & stream details, latest team news

Aston Villa are back in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon when they take on in-form Arsenal at Villa Park.

The claret & blue were on their best run of the season prior to the 2-1 defeat to West Ham United having won three in a row without conceding a goal.

All good things come to an end though and on another day, it’s a game that could have quite easily gone in Villa’s favour.

There’s no time for Steven Gerrard’s men to feel sorry for themselves though as the Gunners are next up - the second of five consecutive games against teams above Villa in the table.

Arsenal took the reverse fixture 3-1 at the Emirates and the claret and blue know they will have to be at their very best to get something in this one.

When and where is the match?

The match kicks off on Saturday 19th March at lunch-time (12:30 GMT) at Aston Villa’s home, Villa Park.

Is Aston Villa vs Arsenal on TV?

Yes. The game will be shown live on BT Sport 1 with coverage beginning 30 minutes prior to kick-off.

Those who have access to BT Sport will be able to watch the game on the go using the BT Sport app on all good smart devices.

Alternatively, Villa fans will also be able to listen to live match commentary via VillaTV.

Who is the match referee?

Andy Madley will take charge of Saturday’s game and will have Simon Bennett and Mark Scholes as his assistants.

Fourth official duties are left up to Martin Atkinson whilst Jonathan Moss and Timothy Wood will be on the other end of VAR.

Madley has only officiated one of Villa’s games so far this season, the 1-0 loss away at Southampton where he distributed four yellow cards.

Team news

Aston Villa will be without Lucas Digne who was brought off with a muscle injury just 10 minutes into the 2-1 defeat to West Ham.

Marvelous Nakamba is edging closer to a return but could be held back until after the international break.

Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns following their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday evening and wil once again have a full team available to face Villa.

Form guide

Aston Villa: LLWWWL

Arsenal: WWWWWL

Head-to-head record

Villa and Arsenal have gone head-to-head more than most over the years, having faced off 198 times in all competitions over the years.

The claret & blue have won 69 of those to Arsenal’s 84 and 45 draws.

There hasn’t been a draw between the two sides since November 2012, a 0-0 draw at Villa Park in the Premier League.

Betting odds

Aston Villa: 2/1

Draw: 12/5

Arsenal: 13/10

(Correct as of Thursday 17th March with SkyBet)

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