Mark Lawerenson states his prediction for Aston Villa v Arsenal

Mark Lawerenson is tipping Arsenal to secure a comfortable 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon to move to the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners head into the game knowing that a victory at Villa Park would move them top of the pile ahead of Leicester City’s clash with Chelsea on Monday night.

Arsenal booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League in style on Wednesday night thanks to a 3-0 win at Olympiacos.

And former Liverpool star Lawrenson is backing the north London side to continue their recent good form by claiming victory over Remi Garde’s men at Villa Park.

Lawrenson told BBC Sport: “There is no problem with Aston Villa’s commitment or desire, and their attitude is good – it is an obvious lack of quality that is letting them down.

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“With Villa boss Remi Garde against his old Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, this is a case of pupil versus professor and, for me, there is only one winner.”

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Arsenal, who beat Sunderland 3-1 at Emirates Stadium last weekend, scored 12 goals and conceded none in three games against Villa last season, including the 4-0 FA Cup final win.

Newly-appointed Aston Villa boss Garde made 31 appearance for Arsenal between 1996-99.