Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez. (Photo : Getty Images)
Third-running team Arsenal FC (19-7-11, 68 points) will try to gain the runner-up spot of the 2015-2016 Premier League season and finish the term on a high note as they clash with cellar dwellers Aston Villa FC (3-26-8, 17 points) at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday, May 15th.
Arsenal is currently at the third spot of the league table, only two points behind Tottenham Hotspur FC. If the Gunners win over the Villans and Tottenham loses to another relegated squad, Newcastle United, in their final fixtures this season, then Arsenal will gain the runner-up position for this year's English top flight competitions.
If the Spurs defeat Newcastle and Arsenal also wins, then the Gunners will retain the third spot. Either way the Champions League slot of Arsene Wenger's team is already secured for next season.
However, it is important for Arsenal to win over Aston Villa because a loss together with a win by fourth-placed Manchester City over Swansea City in the season finale will make them switch spots with City, thereby losing their direct group stage qualification in next term's Champions League competitions.
The Gunners leveled with City, 2-2, in their penultimate game this season last Sunday at the Etihad, via SkySports.
Sergio Agüero slotted in the opening goal at the eighth before Olivier Giroud equalized two minutes later, making it a 1-1 game at the half. Kevin De Bruyne then gave the lead back to City six minutes after the restart, but Alexis Sanchez leveled it once again at the 68th as both teams went scoreless after that.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa managed to settle for a goalless draw with Newcastle United at their home ground of Villa Park last Saturday, as reported by BBC Sport.
It was a meaningless game for Villa, but a crucial one for the Magpies as they were officially relegated to the Championship after the match.
The draw was the first unbeaten performance for the Villans in their last 12 outings.
The predicted result is a 3-0 rout for Arsenal.
Arsenal starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Cech; Bellerín, Paulista, Koscielny, Monreal; Elneny, Ramsey; Sanchez, Iwobi, Welbeck; Giroud
Aston Villa starting lineup (3-5-2 formation): Bunn; Bacuna, Lescott, Clark; Hutton, Westwood, Sanchez, Gueye, Toner; Ayew, Sinclair
