Champions Arsenal head to Villa Park on Monday night
By Matt Smith
It’s been quite the contrast for Unai Emery‘s side after they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Brighton on the opening weekend of the campaign. The Villans have seen their squad decimated this summer, with a host of key players heading through the exit door.
Arsenal are undoubtedly in a much stronger position, having strengthened their squad in the market while keeping hold of their best players.
In this fixture last season, Aston Villa secured a fantastic 2-1 victory at home, with Emi Buendia scoring a 95th-minute winner.
Team news
Aston Villa could be boosted by two new additions for Monday night’s game after both Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka were registered in time to face the Gunners. Emery’s men will be without Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi, and Brian Madjo due to injuries, while João Gomes is suspended following his red card last time out.
It’s a quick return to Villa Park for Ezri Konsa after he made the switch to Arsenal in the summer transfer window. Konsa is yet to make his debut after signing last weekend, but he could be in line to face his former club. Arsenal could be without both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as speculation continues to surround their futures.
Jurrien Timber and William Saliba will be missing, while Bruno Guimarães is in a race against time to be fit.
New signings need to make an impact
After such a disastrous start to the season, Villa’s new signings need to make a significant impact early on. It was a humiliating defeat for Villa down in Brighton, but there’s no doubt the additions of Goretzka and Jackson will make them stronger.
Jackson didn’t play an awful lot for Bayern Munich whilst on loan last season, but he was a constant goal threat when given an opportunity. He will likely be replacing Ollie Watkins as Villa’s main man in attack, with the English striker on his way to Saudi Arabia.
Start as you mean to go in
It was a truly dominant display from the Gunners in their opening game of the Premier League season. They were handed a nice draw by facing newly promoted Coventry City, but they certainly look like a side that is ready to protect their Premier League title.
Villa should undoubtedly be a bit of a tougher test for Arsenal, especially as the Midlands club beat them last season. This will be the true test for the Gunners to see whether they are going to enjoy another phenomenal season.
Tzolis the man to watch
Of course, Aston Villa will undoubtedly be concerned about the ability of the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka. Despite that, the most threatening player against Coventry last time out was Christos Tzolis on the left-hand side of attack.
The Greek forward was involved in absolutely everything going forward for Arsenal, creating three chances while having the most shots and touches inside the opposition box.
Prediction
With Villa’s new signings likely needing time to settle in, we’re going for a 2-0 victory to Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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