Fabregas has been linked with a move back to his boyhood team for years and was set to move to the club last year but Barcelona could not meet Arsenal’s asking price.
Villa said: “The key to this match will be containing Arsenal’s attack and profiting from our own chances to score goals. Cesc is not the only key for the Gunners. (Robin) Van Persie has rediscovered his level in attack and our defenders must be very focused,” said Villa.
