Arsenal Launch Assault

Last updated : 18 March 2009 By Tom Vickers
Arsenal now hold the final Champions League place going into the remaining nine games of the season, so do Villa and Everton really have any chance of overhauling the Gunners?

Villa-MAD takes a look at where Arsene Wenger's side may gain crucial points but also where they might drop them.


March 21 - Newcastle (a)


The Geordies are still struggling and with Joe Kinnear yet to return from illness they may just lack the nous to keep out the on form Gunners.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 1-3


April 4 - Man City (h)

Mark Hughes would love a victory at the Emirates but it is simply not going to happen. The men from Manchester have been less than impressive away from home, winning just once in the league, and they were trounced 4-2 at Villa in August.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 2-0


April 11- Wigan (a)

Arsenal have often faltered against physical northern sides on their travels and this is likely to be no different. Steve Bruce could do Villa a big favour here.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 2-1


April 19 - Liverpool (a)

This is where it starts to get a little tougher for the Gunners. The game at Anfield could hinge on whether Liverpool are still going for the title as they may be more focused on Champions League glory by the time Arsenal visit.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 1-1


April 26- Middlesbrough (a)

This could be a real hammering for Gareth Southgate's boys. Boro lack confidence at the moment and unless they turn their form around soon they won't get anything out of this. However, they did sneak a 2-1 win at Villa earlier in the season, so you never know.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 3-0


May 2 - Portsmouth (a)

Pompey are a good side struggling for form and a big Fratton Park atmosphere could see them go close in this one. Unfortunately, it may not be close enough.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 0-2


May 9 - Chelsea (h)

Guus Hiddink and his men will set out their stall to be resolute at Emirates Stadium and with John Terry presumably marshalling the defence they could get a point or even three.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 1-1


May 16 - Manchester United (a)

United may get the chance to win the title with a victory against the Gunners and they would dearly love that. But, Arsenal shouldn't be written off at a ground where they know how to win.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 2-0


May 24 - Stoke (h)

You have to fancy the Gunners to finish the season with a bang as they take on the most defensive side to visit Villa Park this season. Stoke will focus too much on their own box and this should be comfortable for Arsene Wenger's men.

Villa-MAD Prediction: 4-0


Predicted points total: 69

Arsenal are deserved favourites to finish fourth and looking at their remaining fixtures they should now clinch Champions League football for next season.

But Wenger must keep his side fresh as they are still competing on three fronts, which could just give Villa and Everton a much needed advantage.