Arsenal host Aston Villa in the last home game of the season, and it is important that we go out on a high.

It has been a frustrating few weeks to be a Gooner. It seems as though this is becoming a recurring theme; we promise so much and deliver so little. It is important that we do not end the season with a whimper. Despite the fact that we have been rather lackluster for a while, we still have the quality to finish the season well. This is important for the players and fans alike. It will give the players a much needed morale boost and give the fans a reason to renew their season ticket membership (even at the increased prices). Arsenal fans have been suggesting that is is essential that the very worst position we finish in is third. But does it really matter? In my opinion it does, but not as much as people think. In terms of attracting new players to the club, whether we finish third or fourth is irrelevant; both places offer champions league football. It is important that we finish third for the confidence of the club. Furthermore, it is still mathematically possible to catch Chelsea and finish second.

Form

Arsenal – WDDLWL 12th in the Premier league form table  (8 points from our last 18)

Aston Villa – DWWDLD 9th in the form table (9 from 18)

Team Prediction

Vermaelen returns to the first team after missing most of the season. Fabregas and Nasri are set to face late fitness tests to see if they have fully recovered from their injuries. In my opinion, I don’t think that Wenger will risk them. Clichy also returs after a hamstring problem.

Prediction (2-0 victory to Arsenal)

I think that the return of Vermaelen will bring some defensive stability to the team. It also seems as though Van Persie can’t stop scoring and so I have gone for a 2-0 win with a Van Persie brace.