Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says he never wrote off Arsenal's Premiership chances.

Arsenal have won five of their last six games - including a 3-0 win against Villa at the Emirates Stadium last month - and O'Neill knows his side will have their work cut out to halt that rampaging run.

O'Neill, who has injury problems to contend with for the clash with Arsene Wenger's side, said: "We are capable of winning this game.

"But saying that Arsenal are a very fine side and have got themselves back into championship contention and are capable of winning the league.

"I haven't seen Arsenal as being out of contention for the title.

"They are a fine footballing side but when they lost Robin van Persie I thought he would be a major loss.

"But they are scoring goals for fun and are an outstanding attacking side.

"What they have done has not surprised me. It is just the way they have utilised the players so well.

"After losing at Stoke City in the FA Cup last weekend I assume they will be back to their full side against us.

"It will be a great game and I am looking forward to it. If it is anything like the match at Villa Park last season when we should have been four up and instead found ourselves two down and fought back to make it 2-2 it will be a tremendous match."