Arsenal began their quest to end their Premier League title drought with a solid 2-0 victory over Wolves last weekend. However, a tougher test awaits them in the late kick-off on Saturday as they travel to face Aston Villa.
Villa completed a league double over Arsenal last season, making this match an early indicator of how much progress Mikel Arteta’s side have made. It should be a cracking game and you will find a complete analysis in our Match Predictions section. Additionally, we have also crafted a 42/1 Ultimate Bet Builder tip, to make the most of the many betting markets available around this clash.
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Arsenal to Win
Arsenal face Aston Villa this weekend in what is shaping up to be a closely contested match at Villa Park. Both teams began their Premier League seasons with wins, setting high expectations for this encounter. Arsenal, however, are the favourites to come out on top. The Gunners have demonstrated exceptional form on the road, securing 25 points from a possible 27 in their last nine Premier League away fixtures. This impressive run includes seven clean sheets, underscoring their defensive resilience when playing away from home.
Aston Villa, while strong on home soil, have struggled with defensive consistency, conceding goals in recent matches at Villa Park. Arsenal’s solid defence, coupled with their potent attacking options, gives them a distinct advantage in this fixture. The likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, who both played pivotal roles in Arsenal’s win against Wolves, are expected to lead the charge once again. Meanwhile, Villa’s attacking talents, including Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins, may find it challenging to penetrate Arsenal’s well-drilled defence.
As noted by betting expert Tyler Morris, Arsenal’s remarkable away form and defensive solidity make them the likely winners in this clash. The Gunners’ ability to balance defensive strength with offensive firepower positions them well to secure all three points at Villa Park.
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Kai Havertz to Assist
Kai Havertz has been in fine form for Arsenal, contributing both goals and assists. The German international, who recently impressed with his national team during Euro 2024, continued his strong performance with a goal and an assist in Arsenal’s victory over Wolves. His ability to link up play and create chances for his teammates makes him a key figure in Arsenal’s attack.
Against Aston Villa, Havertz is well-positioned to add to his assist tally. His sharpness in pre-season and his growing chemistry with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus suggest he will be central to Arsenal’s attacking strategy. Havertz’s vision and technical ability allow him to find teammates in dangerous positions, and Villa’s defence, which has shown vulnerabilities, could struggle to contain his creative influence.
Havertz’s role in Arsenal’s midfield provides him with ample opportunities to provide assists, particularly in a match where Arsenal are expected to control possession and create numerous chances. Given his recent form and the attacking threats surrounding him, backing Havertz to assist looks a smart bet.
Bukayo Saka to Score Anytime
Bukayo Saka has firmly established himself as a crucial part of Arsenal’s forward line, and his impact in the Gunners’ opening match against Wolves was a testament to his growing influence. Saka’s knack for finding the back of the net, combined with his ability to exploit spaces both out wide and centrally, makes him a prime candidate to score against Aston Villa.
Saka’s link-up play with Kai Havertz has already started to blossom, adding another layer of threat to Arsenal’s attack. His versatility allows him to pop up in various positions, often catching defenders off guard. Given Villa’s defensive frailties and Saka’s clinical finishing, he is well-placed to score at any point in the match.
Moreover, Saka’s consistency in front of goal, coupled with his confidence after a strong start to the season, makes him a reliable choice for an anytime scorer. With Arsenal expected to dominate proceedings, Saka will likely have several opportunities to add to his goal tally, making this a strong bet for the game.
Over 2.5 Goals
This clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting strong attacking line-ups. Arsenal’s clean sheet against Wolves might suggest defensive solidity, but Villa’s impressive form at home, coupled with their attacking talents, means that goals are likely at both ends.
Historically, matches at Villa Park have been full of goals, and this one should be no different. Villa’s desire to perform in front of their home fans, combined with Arsenal’s attacking mindset, suggests that we could see plenty of action in front of goal. Both teams scored twice in their respective opening games, further hinting at a potential goal fest.
Given the attacking threats on display and the defensive questions hanging over both sides, backing over 2.5 goals in this fixture seems a logical choice. This bet covers the possibility of a closely contested, yet high-scoring encounter, which seems likely given the current form and tactical approaches of both teams.
Amadou Onana to Be Shown a Card
Aston Villa’s new signing Amadou Onana made an immediate impact in his debut, scoring against West Ham. However, with Arsenal visiting, Onana will likely find himself in a more defensive role, which could increase his chances of picking up a yellow card. Known for his physical style of play, Onana accumulated 14 yellow cards in two seasons with Everton, a statistic that highlights his propensity for tough tackles and fouls.
Against an Arsenal side that is expected to dominate possession and put Villa’s defence under pressure, Onana may be forced into making risky challenges. His aggressive approach, while effective, often lands him in trouble with referees, making him a prime candidate for a booking in this fixture.
With the intensity of the match likely to be high, especially with Villa looking to counter Arsenal’s attacking prowess, Onana’s defensive responsibilities could see him stepping over the line. Given his history of disciplinary issues, betting on Onana to receive a card seems a prudent choice for this match.
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