A defeat to Aston Villa ultimately cost Arsenal the Premier League title last term so the Gunners will be out for revenge when they travel to the Midlands for an early-season clash of the titans.
Mikel Arteta's men finished two points behind Manchester City in a thrilling title race and the only game they lost in the last 18 matches was at home to Unai Emery's men.
A lot of people reckon Arsenal are now equipped to go all the way this season, myself included, and they kicked off with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
Taking on Aston Villa away from home is a sterner test of their credentials with the Midlands giants still on a high after securing Champions League football last term with a fourth-placed finish.
Emery has invested in the squad to ensure Villa are equipped to fight on two fronts again and after an impressive 2-1 win at West Ham last weekend they will fancy their chances of taking down the Gunners again.
How the bookies view it: Aston Villa overpriced at 3/1
Emery's side were so so strong at home last season and they defeated both Manchester City and Arsenal 1-0 at Villa Park. So I'm surprised to see them as big as 3/1 for this game with Betfred, who make the Gunners 4/5 hot favourites. I wouldn't be surprised if this ended level and that pays 13/5.
Recent head to head: Arsenal out to be avengers
Aston Villa were a thorn in Arsenal's side last term as they won both Premier League meetings. Villa also did the double over them in season 2020/21 but the Gunners won the four meetings before that.
Players to watch: Hav a go hero for Gunners
Kai Havertz took a while to get going for Arsenal after his move from Chelsea but is now a key man in Arteta's side. He scored last weekend and the German is 9/5 for anytime scorer.
Leon Bailey seems to have cemented his status as a starter for Aston Villa and caused Arsenal lots of problems in that win at the Emirates last term. He's 16/5 to repeat the goal he scored that day.
Probable line-ups
Arsenal should be along similar lines to the team that defeated Wolves last weekend, although Jurrien Timber could come in for Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back to make them more solid. Ian Maatsen's impressive cameo off the bench at West Ham could see him get the nod ahead of Lucas Digne at left-back for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen, McGinn, Tielemans, Onana, Rogers, Bailey, Watkins.
Arsenal: Raya, Saliba, White, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Odegaard, Rice, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz.
Anything else catch the eye?
Aston Villa are usually good value for goals under Emery but their home games with the big guns were cagey affairs last term. Arteta also took few risks in tough games away from him so I fancy a cagey game here.
Under 2.5 goals appeals at 11/10 with Betfred while betting against both teams to score pays 6/5. The half-time draw is also worth a punt and that is priced at 13/10.
We could see a few cards in the midfield as both teams try to dominate. Thomas Partey looks decent value at 12/5 to go in the book at Bet365 while Villa new boy Amadou Onana is 11/4 to pick up a card.
This English Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal will be played on Aug 24, 2024 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
