Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hailed his predecessor as the Premier League table toppers gear up to host Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday.

Former Gunners head coach Unai Emery is taking his Champions League hopefulls to North London in what should be an enthralling clash with both sides having so much to play for. 

While Arsenal are involved in a three-way race for their first title in 20 years, the West Midlanders are battling for a top four spot and a place at Europe's top table next season.

Villa have exceeded expectations this term and currently sit fifth in the league with 60 points from 32 games, impressing the canny Arteta.

“What they’ve done since Unai came in, he's made a huge impact at the club in terms of performances and consistency, it’s unbelievable what they are doing,” he said in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “They’re still in European competition and they played last night so its really impressive with what they’ve done.”

Sunday’s visitors have a number of absentees, with Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash and Tyrone Mings all among the injured list.

“We always try to use things to our advantage,” Mikel said. “We don’t know what they are going to do and that’s nothing we can control. They still won last night and they are a really good side, so we know the danger and we know our strengths as well, and we’ll try to do what we have to do to win.”

Unai Emery reached 1,000 games as a manager with Thursday’s 2-1 win at home to LOSC Lille, and Mikel was full of praise for his predecessor.

“It’s unbelievable and he's done it in so many different countries, in so many different contexts and has been incredibly successful,” he said. “Obviously he’s from very close to my hometown and I have huge admiration for him and his respect. I wish him the best after Sunday, but what is doing is really impressive.”