Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Arsenal began the season with a convincing 3-0 win over Coventry. It was stylish, sleek and refreshing. The attack clicked, the midfield dominated and the defence looked comfortable. We've since had a nine day break which would have given a few of our players some much needed rest. The likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka perhaps returned earlier than they should have, so the nine days will have been welcome. Let's see what our opponents, Aston Villa, have for us.

Form

We don't have a lot to go off still as Villa have only played one competitive fixture, outside of the UEFA Super Cup final, which they lost. Having said that, Villa's first match was a complete disaster. Brighton hammered them 4-0, with all the goals scored half hour into the game. To make matters worse, Joao Gomes was sent off. On the bright side, they didn't concede any goals after going down to 10 men. Unai Emery's men shipped almost 4xG too, so they were the deserved losers here.

Injuries/Suspensions

Villa do have some injury issues, as well as a suspension to contend with. Amadou Onana and Johan Manzambi are definitely out. Brian Madjo, Tammy Abraham and Leon Bailey are doubts. Joao Gomes is suspended.

Player to Watch: John McGinn

He's been at Villa forever (2018) and has been involved in so many phases. He was there when Villa were promoted back to the Premier League. He's been there for the rise to regular European football. He's still there for the current transitional phase to a new era. He's been a soldier for them and one of the most experienced players in the squad. So, who's the one player we can guarantee will give 110%? McGinn. He also happens to be a tidy player. For the Gunners, they need to watch out for his leadership skills. We need to get goals in quickly before they feel they can take something from it. McGinn is excellent at galvanising those around him, he'll do just that if we struggle to put the game to bed early.

Villa Predicted Lineup

It's a little hard to predict what Emery will do in terms of a lineup as they've welcomed a few new players since their last fixture (as well as depart). Nicholas Jackson, Leon Goretzka and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. More names have been linked, but won't be registered in time now. Emery does like a traditional 4-4-2, but that was when he had excellent on the ball players. Boubacar Kamara remains, but it's likely that Leon Goretzka will partner him. Goretzka is great in his own right, but a little past his prime. Jackson is an interesting signing, but it's a direct replacement for Ollie Watkins. Someone who always gave us trouble, so it'll be nice to see the back of him. On paper, that's a team that we should beat relatively easily. But, Emery has ways of getting one over on Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

I have a feeling that Bruno Guimaraes will make the bench, but that's unconfirmed. I don't think we need to see much change from last week, as they looked excellent. I would like Bruno to start as he'll provide that muscle and mentality in midfield, something Odegaard lacks. I also wouldn't throw Ezri Konsa in just yet, as the Villa fans will happily make his return a nightmare. We can't afford any mistakes. We still have strength on the bench, if we need it.

Predicted Score: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal

I think we'll largely play quite well, better than last season at Villa Park. Emery's men are still a little all over the place, but new signings are starting to get through the door. Some of them are available for this fixture, but not all. That works in our favour. They still lack depth, so there's a chance this game could be won with our bench. I can't fully trust us against an Emery team, but this is the weakest version we've played over the last few years. Let's get it!