Live Stream: Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Arsenal

Aston Villa host Arsenal at Villa Park on Monday, kick-off 20:00, with the two clubs beginning the Premier League season from different positions. Arsenal arrive with greater continuity, while Villa are adjusting to extensive changes across their squad.

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Villa’s home record last season was strong, with 12 wins, two draws and five defeats from 19 league matches. They scored 32 goals and conceded 22, while their 1.23 xGA ranked third in the division. Their attacking output was less impressive, with 1.39 xG ranking 12th, although an overall ratio of 0.53 placed them sixth.

Arsenal produced the Premier League’s best away numbers. Their 1.81 xG and 0.83 xGA both ranked first, giving them a league-leading ratio of 0.69. They failed to score in only 11% of their matches on the road and kept a clean sheet in 42%.

Villa’s summer has changed the shape of Unai Emery’s squad. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ollie Watkins have left, while Ezri Konsa joined Arsenal and returns to face his former club. Nicolas Jackson has arrived from Chelsea, but Tammy Abraham is linked with Ipswich, leaving another possible attacking departure before the transfer window closes.

Emiliano Martinez has also left for Chelsea; Zion Suzuki has been signed as a successor, although Marco Bizot is expected to start in goal.

Joao Gomes is suspended after being dismissed against Brighton, with Lamare Bogarde predicted to replace him alongside Boubacar Kamara.

Arsenal’s team news is more settled. Bruno Guimaraes and William Saliba are unavailable through injury, leaving Cristhian Mosquera in line to continue at centre-back.