Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Arsenal. Both sides are looking to bolster their European aspirations by bouncing back from midweek defeats. Kick off 12.30 GMT.

Pepe rifles wide of the near post after his initial curler from the right side of the box was blocked. There was some super foot work and vision from Holding that set up that opportunity after Villa had dealt with a succession of aerial balls.

Cash does really well to block Cedric's cross after a slick Arsenal move looked set to open Villa up.

Marvelous Nakamba is eventually booked for a cynical foul on Saka. The referee allowed play to continue, but ensured he pulled out the card once he had the opportunity.

Holding rises highest from the resulting free kick once again, but he can't keep his header down under pressure.

Konsa is cautioned after bundling Saka over as he threatened to race free from just inside the Villa half. Arteta felt it was worthy of more than the yellow.

Traore spins brilliantly in the area but sees his clipped effort smartly saved by Ryan. The ball breaks for Barkley who sees his follow-up blocked.

Arsenal come again after Villa clear the resulting corner, but Holding can only guide a header off target.

Xhaka bends a superb 30-yard free kick towards the postage stamp but is thwarted by a fine save from Martinez.

Free kick to Arsenal. It's 30 yards out and slightly right of centre.

Villa are defying some historic February blues at present. They have lost 16 of their past 18 Premier League matches in this month. Their only win came over Norwich in 2016, while they drew the other at Cardiff in 2014.

You can see why Arsenal have scored nine goals in their past four league away matches. They remain a threat, particularly when they look to counter. Lacazette almost sends Saka free, but Martinez reads it well and gallops off his line to deny the Gunners man.

Gabriel nods clear after a neat Villa move from left to right had ended with Cash crossing dangerously towards Watkins.

Not great reading for Gooners. Still plenty of time to try and turn this around this afternoon though.

So many stats doing the rounds about Watkins and Villa. Here's another for Villans to enjoy!

Arsenal have been probing a bit more in recent moments, but Villa have dealt with a couple of tricky set pieces with aplomb.

As it stands, Villa would edge up to eighth ahead of the other Pl games this weekend. Arsenal would stay 10th but could drop into the bottom half if results later in the day/on Sunday go against them.

DID YOU KNOW? Three points today would see Villa equal last season's final total of 35.

#Watkins Stats