We are confident against the big four - Martin O'Neill

Feb 29 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill has been buoyed by Aston Villa's performances against the big four this season.

Villa have netted one win, two draws and three defeats in the Premier League and he tagged both displays against Chelsea "outstanding".

"We've gone to Liverpool and drawn, travelled down to Chelsea and drawn.

"We beat Chelsea at our place, so our performances against the top-four have been reasonably okay and probably better than that", said O'Neill who is again likely to be without Olof Mellberg.

"Big games are big games and the players are looking forward to the match. I think that's the most important issue. We're going into the game with confidence and we feel as if we can score goals.

"There's only Manchester United and Arsenal themselves who've scored more goals than us.

"There's a good confidence about the side and there's a good feeling among the supporters. If you've got those two in tandem, you've got a bit of a chance."

Since the 1-1 draw against Villa last August Arsenal have lost only one of 33 matches at The Emirates and they are unbeaten in 18 Premier League matches against Villa.