Preview: Arsenal vs. Aston Villa

Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez is unlikely to be risked against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon after picking up a hamstring strain.

The former Barcelona player has netted 18 goals during the first half of the season, but given his importance to the Gunners, he is expected to sit out the game at the Emirates Stadium.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck will also miss the clash, which should result in Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott being handed their first league starts since recovering from injury.

New signing Gabriel Paulista could make his debut, while goalkeeper David Ospina will return after being rested for the 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup.

Arsenal will be hoping to take advantage of Villa's poor form by extending their recent streak to nine wins from 11 games, a period which has also brought 24 goals.

Villa boss Paul Lambert will include new signing Scott Sinclair in his 18-man squad after the winger made the temporary switch from Manchester City.

However, Sinclair could have to settle for a place on the bench, with Carles Gil ready for his first Premier League start and Fabian Delph and Gabriel Agbonlahor scheduled to return from injury.

Lambert would have been relieved to see his struggling team beat Bournemouth in the FA Cup, but the Scot is aware that he needs results in the league to ease the pressure on his job.

Villa have only registered three points from their last seven league games, while they remain without a goal since Christian Benteke's effort against Manchester United on December 20.

Arsenal:

Form in Premier League: DWWLWW Form in all competitions: WLWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey, Cazorla; Walcott, Giroud, Ozil

Aston Villa:

Form in Premier League: DLDDLL Form in all competitions: DDWLLW

Possible starting lineup: Guzan; Hutton, Okore, Baker, Cissokho; Gil, Westwood, Delph, Cleverley; Agbonlahor, Benteke

Sports Mole says: 3-0