Aston Villa will be aiming to bounce back from a damaging opening to the new Premier League season when they host Arsenal at Villa Park on August 31.

Transitional Season Expected at Villa Following Summer Overhaul

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa suffered a disastrous start to the Premier League season after shipping four goals in a road defeat against Brighton.

The Villans have endured a summer of change, with key first-teamers such as Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Lucas Digne all departing the club.

Teenage sensation Brian Madjo, who scored twice in his last three starts, is recovering from injury and will most likely only return after the match against Arsenal. Joao Gomes is suspended after being sent off at the Amex Stadium last Sunday. New signings Zion Suzuki, Leon Goretzka, and Nicolas Jackson will all feature on Monday.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Cash, Torres, Lindelof, Maatsen; Barkley, Kamara; McGinn, Goretzka, Buendia; Jackson

Gunners Aiming to Maintain Perfect Start

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal made a perfect beginning to their Premier League defence on MD1 by beating Coventry City 3-0. The Gunners have now won back-to-back encounters without conceding, and scoring six goals in the process.

Bukayo Saka is in excellent form after scoring four goals in his last two starts. With two goal involvements registered in as many appearances, new signing Christos Tzolis has been reliable early on in his career.

Summer recruit Ezri Konsa could start against his former club on Monday, while Gabriel Martinelli has departed. Gabriel Jesus is also unlikely to feature as he nears a move to Barcelona. William Saliba remains unavailable due to injury.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-3-3): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Odegaard, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Arsenal
  • Odds: 1.51 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 3SKC6
  • Correct score prediction: Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal

Key stats:

  • The Villans have lost back-to-back games, conceding six goals overall.
  • Arsenal racked up a 6-0 scoreline in their opening two matches of the English season.
  • The Gunners have avoided defeat in 22 of their previous 28 trips to Villa Park.

It is worth siding with the form angle this Monday, as Arsenal are the best bet after winning consecutive matches by 3-0 scorelines.

Aston Villa will need time to gel this term after a major overhaul of the squad in the summer. Teething defensive issues were apparent in last week’s 4-0 loss against Brighton, which means that they have now conceded six goals in their last two competitive fixtures.

The Gunners dominate the head-to-head record, avoiding defeat in 22 of their last 28 at Villa Park, and winning two of the previous four encounters between the clubs in the Premier League.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Bukayo Saka to Score
  • Odds: 2.9 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: Y7MC6

Bukayo Saka has been in excellent scoring form, and that ensures that he is a value play to find the back of the net on Monday.

The winger has scored four in his last two starts for club and country, which includes an effort in last week’s win against Coventry. Saka also boasts an impressive record against Aston Villa, registering four goal involvements in 13 appearances.

Verdict: Arsenal (1.51) — Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal