The champions face a tricky away trip: Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction
The second-round Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal will take place on 31 August at Villa Park. The hosts began the season with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Brighton, while the reigning champions comfortably beat Coventry 3-0 and continued their perfect start to the new campaign.
Aston Villa: major changes followed the heavy defeat
Unai Emery's side endured a disastrous opening round, conceding four goals to Brighton during a particularly poor start to the match. Victor Lindelöf's own goal and João Gomes' red card only underlined how difficult the start to the season was for the Birmingham side.
The club responded quickly by strengthening the squad with the signings of Leon Goretzka and Nicolas Jackson, who is expected to replace the departing Ollie Watkins. Villa are traditionally dangerous at home against the champions, having won their last three Premier League home matches against the reigning title holders.
Arsenal: perfect start to their title defence
Mikel Arteta's side opened the league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Coventry, with all three goals coming from open play. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were on target, while Arsenal have already scored six goals without conceding in their two competitive matches this season.
The London side have also won their opening away match of the Premier League season in each of the last four campaigns, keeping a clean sheet every time. Victory in Birmingham would set a new club record and extend that run to five consecutive seasons.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Arsenal began the season with a 3-0 victory over Coventry and have yet to concede a goal.
- Aston Villa have won their last three Premier League home matches against the reigning champions.
- Villa beat Arsenal at home last season, but the London side later took revenge with a 4-1 victory.
The champions' form looks more convincing: Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction
Villa Park has regularly caused Arsenal problems in recent years, while Emery's side are particularly good at raising their game against favourites. However, after the 4-0 defeat to Brighton, the hosts first need to restore their defensive solidity.
Arsenal currently look like a much more cohesive side and are already showing their familiar balance between control and attacking quality. If the reigning champions prevent the hosts from building emotional momentum, they should leave with all three points.
