Arsenal vs Aston Villa - 5 Key Battles

5. Wojciech Szczesny vs Brad Guzan

The goalkeeping department has been something of a problem for Arsenal of late, however they appear to have found a diamond in Wojciech Szczesny. The young Pole, apart from a period last season, has been Arsenal's standout goalkeeper, showing agility, command of the box and a great leap, keeping numerous clean sheets and making many good and great saves over the last three seasons. His vocal presence and ability to out-muscle attackers allows him to ably defend free-kicks and corners (one of Aston Villa's strongpoints), however sometimes his instructions to defenders and poor positioning can lead to cheap goals - especially from quick wingers. Brad Guzan has only really been Aston Villas' number one since ousting Shay Given, the aging but able Irish mainstay in the Premier League. Playing in 36 league games last season, he came in and helped the ramshackle Aston Villa defense, keeping control and organization in a team which was badly disorganized at the back. With clean sheets under his belt, the American's confidence grew, and in games against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, he made crucial saves which allowed Villa to stay in the game. At the age of 28, Guzan is reaching his peak, and if he can keep out Arsenal, Aston Villa will hope for a lucky break.