A big matchup is slated in the Premier League for Tuesday, July 21, 2020, when Aston Villa hosts Arsenal. Villa are looking to get out of the relegation zone and Arsenal are hoping to snatch up the final Europa League spot. This game will air live on NBCSN at 3:15 p.m. EST.
Entering Sunday, July 19, 2020, Aston Villa sit in 19th place, with 31 points, and would go back down to the Championship if the season ended today. Villa are three points back from Watford, and safety, but also have a worse goal differential than Watford, so it is a very uphill battle for Aston Villa. Bournemouth also have a better goal differential than Aston Villa, so the club will need to jump two teams in the final two games to get to safety.
Arsenal sit in 10th place, with 53 points, and are in a tight race for that final Europa League spot. Wolves currently hold that final Europa League spot, in sixth place with 56 points, and there are a lot of teams within striking distance. Tottenham sit in seventh place with 55 points, Sheffield United in eighth with 54, and Burnley, who have played one game than the others, in ninth place with 54 points.
Below is my pick for the Premier League action between Aston Villa and Arsenal. All odds are from BetRivers.
Aston Villa (+225) vs Arsenal (+107) Draw (+290)
Last time out, Aston Villa visited Everton and came away with a disappointing 1-1 draw. It was a scoreless draw until Ezri Konsa put Aston Villa up 1-0 in the 72nd minute. It looked like the relegation candidate Aston Villa was going to get a huge three points on the road, but Theo Walcott headed home the equalizer in the 87th minute. Villa now has one win, three draws, and four losses since the Premier League restarted. Entering Sunday, July 19, 2020, Aston Villa is the third worst home club in England thanks to a 6-3-9 record and 21 points.
Arsenal continues their recent good form with a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored in the 19th and 71st minutes to lead Arsenal to victory and give them a shot at a trophy this season. The Gunners now have six wins, one draw, and three losses since the English season restarted. Arsenal are the 10th best road club in England thanks to a 4-8-6 record and 20 points.
Series History: These two clubs have met 194 times in the past and Arsenal holds an 83-45-66 advantage. Arsenal won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in late September.
Soccer Tips: I like Arsenal to get all three points on the road.
2020 Results: 84-70