Preview: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal

Aston Villa host Arsenal in the Premier League's Monday night game knowing that a win could move them into the top half of the table.

The Villans ended a run of four straight defeats with four points from their last two games, including the 1-0 victory at Sunderland on New Year's Day.

There are no new injury concerns for manager Paul Lambert, although Ron Vlaar could return having missed the FA Cup defeat against Sheffield United.

Arsene Wenger's Gunners remain in the hunt for the title and their fourth win in a row against Villa would see them return to the top of the table, having been usurped by Chelsea on Saturday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is pushing for a return following his recovery from injury and could slot into the XI in place of Theo Walcott, who will miss the rest of the season.

Recent form

Villa: LLLLDW

Arsenal: DLDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Villa: Guzan; Luna, Vlaar, Baker, Bacuna; Delph, Tonev, Westwood; Agbonlahor, Benteke, Albrighton

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal; Arteta, Ozil, Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Cazorla

Sports Mole says: 1-3