Aston Villa’s nightmare start shows little sign of ending after a 4-0 mauling by Brighton last weekend, with Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martínez the latest stars from last season’s UEFA Europa League-winning squad to head for the exit.
– Aston Villa v Arsenal latest betting (Mon, 20:00, Sky Sports Main Event)
Villa have attempted to replace some of that lost quality with the signings of Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka, but there is still a huge amount of work to do. João Gomes’ red card has further weakened Unai Emery’s options, while Amadou Onana remains sidelined with a knee injury. Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are also unlikely to return before September, leaving Villa short on bodies – particularly in the final third.
Arsenal, by contrast, made a statement of intent with a 3-0 victory over Coventry on matchday one, the perfect start to Mikel Arteta’s 250th Premier League game in charge. The Gunners were the league’s best away side last season, winning 11, drawing five and losing just three of their 19 matches on the road.
One of those defeats did come at Villa Park, but Arsenal have an impressive record at this ground overall, winning 15 Premier League games here – more than at any other opposition venue.
More importantly from a betting perspective, this is an Arsenal side that has kept five clean sheets in their last seven Premier League games. With Villa low on confidence, short on attacking options and still trying to bed in new signings, Arsenal’s defensive record could prove decisive.
The hosts have plenty to prove, but Arsenal look stronger at both ends of the pitch. Arsenal to win to nil looks a standout bet.
Best bet: Arsenal win to nil (31/20)
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal (21/4)
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa predicted XI
Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Ruggeri; Bogarde, Kamara; Buendia, Barkley, McGinn; Jackson
Arsenal predicted XI
Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
Aston Villa v Arsenal Odds
Aston Villa 5/1, Arsenal 8/15, the draw 310/100
