Gerard Houllier and Arsene Wenger meet this weekend for the first time since the new Villa boss returned to the Premier League. Both men have sides lauded for youthful and enterprising play, however for both men this fixture is absolutely vital.

Arsenal have displayed the sort of soft centre that no Arsene Wenger team has come close to showing in the 14 years he has been manager of the three time Premier League champions. A home defeat against Tottenham when already 2-0 up and an away defeat to Braga in the Champions League, a side the Gunners dispatched 6-0 in the home fixture, shows a concerning lack of depth and consistency for a side that needs success this season, arguably more than any other.

Headlines may be written about Robert Pires turning out for Aston Villa against his old employers, however if his debut last weekend was anything to go by such an appearance will be a walk on part at best.

Outspoken Villa striker John Carew will return from injury to test an Arsenal defence still lacking central kingpin, Thomas Vermaelen. Whilst the North London’s Champions League wobble is unlikely to cost them in Europe, defeats in games of this nature will cost Arsene Wenger’s side domestically. Another defeat is not an option, even with close rivals faltering.

Prediction: 1-2