Aston Villa lock horns with Arsenal at Villa Park, in a blockbuster fixture slated for Saturday, August 25, 2024.
Aston Villa Vs Arsenal Preview
The Villains are trading tackles with last season’s runner-up following a victorious start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Unai Emery’s side submerged West Ham United 2-1 at the London Stadium, courtesy of goals from summer signing Amadou Onana and John Duran.
The lone goal for the Hammers in the encounter was scored by Lucas Paqueta via a penalty and it was sandwiched between the two goals netted by Aston Villa.
Aston Villa occupy the 5th position on the Premier League table after that impressive win, and they will be hoping for positive fortunes against Arsenal.
The Gunners also produced the goods against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening game of the 2024/25 league season.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were on target for Arsenal on Saturday, August 17, 2024, as they gave their fans something to cheer at the Emirates Stadium.
That victory pushed Arsenal to a familiar position, the 2nd spot on the log, an equal number of points as Brighton, who currently sit at the summit of the log, having defeated Everton 3-0 to begin their own engagements this campaign.
The upcoming clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa promises to be pulsating and thrilling, with players expected to accentuate their brilliance for vital points.
The Thought Of The 2023/24 Season Still Ringing In The Minds Of Arsenal Players
Mikel Arteta definitely would have pointed to the home and away defeats he suffered at the hands of Aston Villa last season as the possible reason why his side lost the Premier League title.
Unai Emery’s side outwitted Arsenal at Villa Park 1-0 in the first leg last season, before beating the Gunners 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
The North London side last defeated Aston Villa in February 2023, with Mikel Arteta’s side claiming a 4-2 win at Villa Park.
It is uncertain where the pendulum will swing on Saturday, August 24, 2024, but fans can expect the best of football from both teams.
In the last 24 meetings between the two clubs, Arsenal have won 16, while Aston Villa have won just 7. The two clubs have also shared the spoils on just one occasion.
Overall Head-to-head:
Aston Villa wins: 71
Arsenal wins: 87
Draws: 45
Teams News For Aston Villa
Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara remain long-term absentees, as they are still nursing cruciate ligament and knee injuries respectively.
Robin Olsen is also dealing with a head injury and he is a major doubt for the clash against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Jhon Duran is expected to be content with a spot on the bench again for Aston Villa despite his matchwinner last time out, as Ollie Watkins will most likely lead the line for the side.
Jacob Ramsey and Ian Maatsen will also hope their cameos in east London have done enough to earn them a place in the starting line-up.
Team News For Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will likely not tinker with his lineup for the fixture against Aston Villa, as he will possibly use the players who prosecuted their opening game of the season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee injury) and Kieran Tierney (Thigh Injury) remain unavailable for selection, while Fabio Vieira may be fit to return to the squad if he overcomes a hip issue.
Arsenal are in talks to acquire Mikel Merino but even in the possibility that the deal is done before the weekend, he would almost certainly not feature in the clash with Unai Emery’s side.
Additionally, forward Eddie Nketiah could also be left out from the match-day squad, as he is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest.
Aston Villa Probable Lineup Vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Rogers, Watkins.
Arsenal Probable Lineup Vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Trossard, Havertz.
Prediction: 1-1
Kick-off Time And Date: 05:30 PM, Saturday, August 24, 2024.
