As the Premier League enters its second matchday, Aston Villa vs Arsenal renewed their rivalry at Villa Park on Saturday evening. The Gunners will be seeking revenge after Villa completed a league double over them last season, a result that ultimately cost Arsenal the title.
Villa’s triumphs over the Gunners in 2023/24 aided their progression into this season’s Champions League following a fourth-place finish. They kicked off the new campaign with a 2-1 away win at West Ham last week.
Arsenal also got off to a winning start, comfortably defeating Wolves 2-0 at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s side will be determined to put on a statement performance and claim all three points on Saturday.
Aston Villa Team News and Predicted Lineup
Vila is still without long-term absentees Boubacar Traore and Tyrone Mings, with the latter now spending over a year on the sidelines.
Matty Cash sustained a knock late on at West Ham last Saturday but is expected to be fit to face Arsenal, although Emergy could turn to Ezri Konsa as a right-back option.
Jhon Duran may have wanted out over the summer but he continues to score goals in a Villa shirt. After netting the winner in east London to start the new season, he could start alongside Ollie Watkins on Saturday.
Predicted Aston Villa lineup (4-4-2): Martinez; Cash Konsa, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Tielemans, Onana, McGinn; Watkins, Duran.
Arsenal Team News and Predicted Lineup
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are sidelined for the visitors but Arteta should welcome Fabio Vieira back into his matchday squad after he recovered from a hip injury.
There should be a change at left-back with Jurrien Timber coming in to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko. Riccardo Calafiori, signed from Bologna in July, is another option for Arteta but the Italian may have to wait to make his Premier League bow.
Kai Havartz could drop into a midfield position with Gabriel Jesus coming back into the side to lead the line.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Key Storylines and Predictions
Arsenal may have been beaten twice by Villa last season, but the Gunner’s performances were worthy of much more. Errant finished coasting them in both games.
If Arsenal can build upon those displays while also supplying the finishing touch, they should claim a statement victory on Saturday. This group of players is out for revenge and will be determined to topple the side that cast them the title last season.
Villa is excellent and will ride waves of positive momentum inspired by the Villa Park faithful, but a first defeat of the season may be on its way.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal
How to Watch Aston Villa vs Arsenal
| Region | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| USA | USA Network | Fubo, Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC app/site, Peacock |
| Canada | — | Fubo Canada |
| UK | Sky Sports Main Event | Sky Go, NOW TV |
| Australia | Optus Sport | — |
| India | Star Sports Select 1 | Hotstar, JioTV |
Kick-off is set for 5:30 PM BST (12:30 PM ET) at Villa Park
Conclusion
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal Saturday’s clash at Villa Park promises to be an enthralling encounter as Arsenal looks to avenge last season’s defeats and take an early lead in the title race. With both teams boasting attacking talent and a point to prove, it could be a high-scoring affair.
Ultimately, the Gunners’ desire for revenge and their superior quality may prove the difference as they seek to make a statement of intent in the Premier League title race.
