Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Premier League Match Preview, Predicted Line-ups and Dream11 Predictions

Arsenal vs Aston Villa is the upcoming match where Arsenal looks to make it five straight wins while Gerrard looks to save his job at Villa.

Date, Time, and Kick Off:

Arsenal vs Aston Villa is scheduled for a 12 am IST kick-off on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

Emirates Stadium in north London will host the match.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Match Preview:

Arsenal sit on top of the Premier League table after securing their fourth consecutive win this season, beating Fulham at the Emirates on Saturday. The victory did not come easily as Mikel Arteta had to adjust his lineup following late injuries to Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Gunners went behind after Aleksandar Mitrovic capitalised on Gabriel’s defensive error but wasted less time to equalise through Martin Odegaard. The Brazilian defender redeemed himself by scoring a winner at the expense of former Arsenal star Bernd Leno.

The victory restored Arsenal’s position on top of the pile, and the Gunners deserve credit for making the best of a decent round of opening fixtures list. Some extensive tests await Arteta, starting with the weekend’s trip to Old Trafford. Before that, they take on a struggling Aston Villa side at the Emirates, with a fifth win firmly on the agenda.

Steven Gerrard has come under the spotlight following Aston Villa’s difficult start to their campaign. The Midlands club scored only three points in their four games, losing the last two Premier League clashes to Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

Despite being the better team on the ball against West Ham on Sunday, Gerrard’s men could not find the opening. Instead, Aston Villa found themselves behind in the second half when Pablo Fornals’s shot from a distance found the back of the net following a deflection off Ezri Konsa.

Following that result, Gerrard may have no reprieve in sight, as they face back-to-back games against Arsenal and Manchester City before the weekend. The manager is already under tremendous pressure, and some sections of their fanbase are already calling for his head. A loss in midweek and at the weekend would be terrible for the former Rangers boss.

Team News:

Arsenal:

After remaining injury-free since the season began, Arteta’s squad has had some key issues since Saturday. Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko were ruled out for the Fulham clash, with the midfielder suffering from a thigh problem and the Ukrainian with a knee issue.

Arteta confirmed they are not in contention for Villa, although Zinchenko could be back for the Manchester United clash at the weekend. Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny could be sidelined for some time with a significant hamstring problem, meaning Arsenal could be short of central midfielders for the next few games.

As things stand, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga are the only recognised midfielders in the squad, although Ben White or Zinchenko could also play the role. Fabio Vieira’s name is also thrown into the mix, although the Portuguese is yet to be tested in England.

Arteta could use Lokonga and Xhaka in a double pivot, with Martin Odegaard assuming his role in the advanced position. There are no changes expected to the backline as things stand with Kieran Tierney keeping his left-back role.

Arteta could also ponder changing the forward line as games come thick and fast. Eddie Nketiah impressed on Saturday, although there is no reason for the manager to change his front three of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus as things stand.

Aston Villa:

Steven Gerrard provided some fitness updates ahead of the Arsenal clash, focusing on former captain Tyrone Mings. The English defender missed the West Ham game through an illness and is expected to return. The Aston Villa manager suggested he had partial training but could have an entire session on Tuesday.

With Mings expected to make the team, Calum Chambers could make way, with Ezri Konsa expected to partner the England international at the back. The fullbacks are expected to keep their places in the lineup with Matty Cash and Lucas Digne on either flank.

Gerrard could make tweaks in midfield by bringing Jacob Ramsey into the fold. The youngster could replace Douglas Luiz, who, despite having a good game against the Hammers, did not contribute enough to Villa’s attacking play.

John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara will keep their places, as Gerrard could make further changes in the final third. Philippe Coutinho limped off against the Hammers, but the manager only pointed towards cramps. The Brazilian could be involved, meaning Emi Buendia will remain on the bench.

Danny Ings could drop out, with Ollie Watkins taking the central striker role. Leon Bailey could also come in on the right side of the attack, with Coutinho on the left.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Head to Head:

Arsenal have a good record against Aston Villa and have won 85 out of the 199 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Aston Villa's 69 victories.

Arsenal have won eight of their last 11 games against Aston Villa in the Premier League, with their three defeats during this run coming over a period seven months between 2020 and 2021.

Aston Villa have won four of their 13 Premier League games against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium - only Chelsea and Manchester City have a better away record against the Gunners in the competition.

Predicted Line-ups:

Arsenal Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Lokonga, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus

Aston Villa Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Ramsey; Bailey, Watkins, Coutinho

ARS vs AVL: Dream11 Predictions: