Gabby Agbonlahor will be the Villa dangerman at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday – that’s the view of Arsenal star Theo Walcott.

The 18-year-old has played alongside Agbonlahor for England under-21s and was delighted when his friend earned a senior call-up last month.

Now Walcott has warned his team mates Agbonlahor could seriously damage Arsenal’s title charge.

He said: “All of Villa’s young players are absolutely tremendous – you just have to look at how many of them are getting into the England senior and under-21 squads.

“But Gabby has been doing fantastically well and it’s such a shame he got injured just before going with England.

“He deserved the call-up, just like Ashley Young, because he’s worked so hard. He’s consistent too; he does well in every game.

“With Gabby you can over-cook a pass and he’ll still get there because his pace is just phenomenal really, it’s a joke. I love playing alongside players with pace.

“He’s a clever player and he’s got a good finish on him, which helps.”

Like Agbonlahor, Walcott is known for his searing pace and the youngster isn’t sure who’d win a head to head race.

He added: “I don’t have a clue who’d win. I’m doing a Nike event about who is fastest to the ball and I haven’t done it yet but Gabby has done it so I need to try and beat his time.

“In the meantime, I’ll see him before Saturday’s game and we’ll have a little chat then. Hopefully we’ll get the result so I’’l be happy to talk to him again afterwards!”