Aston Villa vs Arsenal predicted XIs: Team news and probable line-ups | OneFootball

Last season’s Premier League runners-up Arsenal got their season underway with a comfortable 2-0 success over Wolves and next up for the Gunners is a trip to Aston Villa.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins.

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

The Villans beat Mikel Arteta’s side home and away last season, with the crucial success at the Emirates ultimately costing the Gunners the title as they fell two points short of Manchester City.

Unai Emery’s side kicked off the new campaign with a 2-1 victory over West Ham and will be looking to build on a campaign that saw them finish fourth last term.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal kicks off at 17:30 BST on Saturday, August 24th and will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League/Main Event in the UK.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Team News

Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are confirmed absentees for Arsenal with a thigh and knee injury, respectively. Fabio Vieira faces a late fitness test after recovering from a groin injury.

Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are both out with long-term injuries for this Villa, while goalkeeper Robin Olsen is doubtful and has a head issue.

Arteta full of praise for Havertz

Arsenal were linked with a new striker throughout the summer but manager Mikel Arteta made it clear that he sees Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as the answer to the Gunners’ striking options, particularly praising the German after their 2-0 win over Wolves.

Havertz recorded a goal and an assist in the win and his manager was upbeat about the former Chelsea man in his second season at the Gunners.

Arteta said: “Every player needs some time to adapt and get to know everybody – the club, the relationships, the system. But obviously I think he’s gained the confidence and respect of everybody with the way he handled certain situations and with the way he’s performing.”

Havertz recorded 13 league goals and seven assists last season but did receive criticism at times for his performances, something that Arteta was hopeful to move on from.

When asked about his overall view of the season ahead and his goals for the campaign, Arteta stated that securing victory was the most important thing.

He added: “Win in any context. You’ll have better days, or worse days. The opposition will guide you to play in a specific type of way.”

Arsenal fell just short of winning the Premier League title, picking up 89 points as runners-up to Manchester City.

The Gunners showed their defensive strength as they conceded just 29 goals in 38 games, the best record in the division.

Even at this early part of the season, this clash with Villa could be critical and Havertz will play a large role in it.