Arsenal aim to strengthen Premier League lead as Tottenham host Aston Villa

The Premier League’s final Saturday before the international break features five important fixtures, with leaders Arsenal hoping to increase their advantage at the top and Tottenham Hotspur still searching for their first league victory.

Brentford’s 3-0 win over Xabi Alonso’s heavily changed Chelsea at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday means the pressure is on today’s teams to respond as the battle develops across the table.

Arsenal seek fourth successive away victory

Arsenal travel to the American Express Stadium to face Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion, aiming to complete a demanding four-match run of away games with a fourth consecutive victory.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already won on the road in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and EFL Cup. Victory on the South Coast would give Arsenal a temporary three-point lead over Manchester City, who do not play until Sunday.

Arteta said his players had shown they could maintain their identity away from home despite the demanding schedule.

“Four successive away games is one of the challenges of the schedule, and the team has responded so well by playing with dominance. It doesn’t really matter if we play at home or away, we want to be the same team and we want to cause the same kind of problems to the opposition.

“We have managed to win the three games, and we’ve got the last one against a really tough opponent, and we’ll try to do the same. I have huge respect for Fabian; what he’s done and what Brighton have done as a club, it’s just remarkable.”

Tottenham and Villa meet in north London

The early kick-off sees Tottenham Hotspur welcome Aston Villa, with both sides looking to find greater consistency after uneven starts to their campaigns.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi expects a demanding tactical contest against Unai Emery’s team and praised Villa’s coach.

“They have one of the best coaches in the world. Their style is clear, even though they’ve changed many players. So, it’s a tough game for us. I think it’s a tough game also for them.”

Emery said Villa would need to remain organised and composed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“A huge challenge for us, how we are going to respond, how we are going to play as well in our structure, being compact and feeling confidence to play, and facing them as well in a difficult match.”

Elsewhere, Everton host Ipswich Town at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Newcastle United entertain newly promoted Hull City at St. James’ Park.

Nottingham Forest complete Saturday’s programme when they play Coventry City at the City Ground.

The fifth round of matches concludes on Sunday, when Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United return to action before the players leave for international duty.