Leon Bailey's only goal was enough to help Aston Villa defeat champions Man City in the previous round. The result also marked their best home win streak in the competition's history, with 14 consecutive games.
Villa's opponent in the next round is Arsenal, who defeated them 4-2 last February. That was the only defeat in 5 matches that coach Unai Emery met his former team.
Obviously, Emery will set a winning goal when meeting the "Gunners" again at this time. They caused Man City a complete defeat with only 2 shots on target after the whole match. The Villa Park side also regained possession in the final third of the pitch 13 times against Man City. That is proof that Villa's confidence is higher than ever.
John McGinn and Douglas Luiz played a key role in harassing Man City's Rodri-free midfield. The duo are likely to return to the starting lineup with Boubacar Kamara and Bailey in the match against Arsenal.
Further, Emery has to decide between Youri Tielemans or Moussa Diaby to support Ollie Watkins, who has scored 14 times in the Premier League this season. Watkins also scored four goals in six Premier League meetings with Arsenal.
On the other side of the front line, Arsenal are also in good form and eager to end a 20-year wait for the Premier League title.
Having defeated Man United, Man City and Brentford with late goals this season, Arsenal continued to win against Luton in the same scenario. Declan Rice's 90+7 goal helped the "Gunners" dramatically beat Luton 4-3.
Arsenal entered the round of 16 with 2 points more than 2nd-placed Liverpool. After criticism of the weakness of the attack, the "Gunners" strikers are making a strong comeback. Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz scored against Luton with Rice. Of these, Jesus has scored 6 times in the last 5 matches in all competitions.
New signing Havertz has also gradually integrated with 3 goals in the last 4 matches for Arsenal in all competitions, the same number as the previous 32 appearances.
While Arteta can be satisfied with the attack, the goalkeeper position is still a big question mark. Goalkeeper David Raya was doubted about Luton's ability in the two goals. According to Opta's expected goals conceded (xGOT) model, Raya has conceded more than 0.9 goals in reality. However, Aaron Ramsdale was even worse, conceding more goals than expected in just five appearances.
Regarding personnel, Arteta revealed that after the win over Luton, Takehiro Tomiyasu will be out for a long time due to calf problems. Fabio Vieira, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber are also yet to return.
Arteta will have to watch the match against Aston Villa in the stands, after receiving his third yellow card of the season.
Arsenal have played very well against Villa in the past few years, winning their last 4 Premier League matches after a series of 3 consecutive losses to their opponents.
Arsenal often have a habit of winning in the comeback against Villa, with 6 times giving their opponents a lead and all 3 points.
Villa Park is also a stadium that often brings joy to the "Gunners", having lost only 2 of their last 21 matches.
Only Man United (38) and Liverpool (33) have won more Premier League games against Villa than Arsenal (31).
The match between Aston Villa and Arsenal takes place at 0:30 am on December 10 (Vietnam time), live on K+.
