Arsenal Preview

Tonight's game

We’ve said elsewhere that the Emirates has been a happy hunting ground for Villa on occasions even when we have been written off.

We have everything crossed for that omen to come true once again.

Indeed, one of our most spectacular victories in North London in recent years came off the back of a chastening and heavy defeat to Leeds. We simply didn’t expect that win, in that manner, and our beloved team delivered despite totally contrary predictions.

Of course nothing is impossible in football. Although being in two places at once as a full back in Steven Gerrard’s tactical minefield comes close.

But even we are probably expecting to come away from the Emirates without the points.

Arsenal though are the ultimate boom or bust club. Win three and they are Champions material, lose three and everyone and everything is wrong.

Our issues are so much simpler. Brilliant squad - whatever the frustration of some would have you believe, fantastic away support, struggling manager.

We need to get a win over the line.

The animosity towards the manager - both on the pitch and in the stands - needs to be put aside for 90 minutes for everyone’s benefit.

Regardless, few would bet the house on Villa getting a result given the respective form of the two clubs but Gerrard has to produce something at sometime.

All the cliched words and hackneyed phrases cut no ice any more - even if they ever did.

It is time for Gerrard to deliver a performance - whoever the opposition.

Tonight's other game

As a backdrop to tonight’s daunting trip down the smoke is the looming closure of the transfer window.

With less than 36 hours to go nothing has changed in that we expect there to be no permanent additions to the squad.

Any business is likely to be a loan and also not first choice.

In terms of outgoings it will be Guilbert, Sanson and potentially Nakamba to further weaken the squad. Replacements are simply not on the agenda.

We don’t expect Cameron Archer to leave now, but the guy needs minutes if he is to stay and there is little reason not to chuck him into the first XI tonight - we really don’t have anything to lose.

As for Douglas Luiz, if that happens - and surely NSWE wouldn’t sanction it even with just 12 months left on his contract - then we really would be in a mess of one man’s making.

Also potentially off is Villa’s longest serving player - Jed Steer - having never been remotely given a chance by Gerrard, Jed can by rights be justified in being somewhat bitter at his treatment especially as ahead of him in the pecking order is the underwhelming Olsen.

Like Kortney Hause before him, Jed has never let Villa down.

Indeed, no-one will forget the Hawthorns eyes in a hurry.

It is just a shame players so often become victims of managerial politics, especially when the manager’s own tenure is likely to be short-lived.

Whoever leaves before 11pm tomorrow can do so with their heads held high and will be fondly remembered.

The same cannot be said of the manager.