View from SunSport’s Rob Maul at Villa Park
Close to kick-off here at Craven Cottage and for a second it appeared as if the tannoy had stopped worked.
How wonderful that would have been. Instead of playing music like Fat Boy Slim to ear-splitting levels, why not let the fans make the noise and atmosphere.
Gary O’Neil, the embattled Wolves boss, will hope the music does not die for him this afternoon.
View from SunSport’s Graeme Bryce at Villa Park
UNAI EMERY will be fired up for today’s visit by struggling Palace.
Not only did the Eagles thrash Villa 5-0 on the final day of last season, after Emery had already led them to the Champions League.
They also knocked the Villans out of the Carabao Cup at Villa Park last month.
Emery has suffered four defeats on the spin for the first time in 1026 games as a manager – a fifth would be unthinkable for the demanding Spaniard.
View from SunSport’s Jordan Davies at The Emirates
FOR all the injury issues Arsenal have been besotted with this season, fans will be pleased to see a back four that has not been assembled since October 1.
Riccardo Calafiori is finally back from his knee injury picked up against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22, starting at left-back with Jurrien Timber at right back and Gabriel partnering William Saliba.
But for a manager who has bemoaned the number of players in the treatment room, Mikel Arteta has taken some risks on players who have only just become available again.
Calafiori’s fitness will be put to the test from the off, as will Leandro Trossard having hobbled off for Belgium during the international break.
There are at least some precautionary measures on show – Declan Rice is on the bench following his broken toe, while Kai Havertz oddly will be sat next to him in place of Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian has one goal in 15 outings this term, and just two this calendar year – the other coming in January against – you guessed it – Nottingham Forest in a 2-1 win at the City Ground.
