New Delhi: Aston Villa will be hosted by their former manager, Unai Emery’s Arsenal, at Villa Park in the Premier League. The two sides collected three points in the opening weekend of the tournament, with the Lions beating West Ham 2-1. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners won their game against Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0.
Aston Villa
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Aston Villa FC at London Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Jhon Duran had spent the earlier part of the transfer window with an uncertain future with Aston Villa and once even teasing a move to West Ham. In Aston Villa’s opening game, Lucas Paqueta’s goal equalized the lead Amadou Onana had given to Aston Villa in the fourth minute of the game. The two teams went into halftime 1-1, with Emery missing out on a few opportunities. Duran came as a substitution in the 28th minute and scored the lead with 11 minutes left from the finish.
Villa had created quite a few chances that could have won them without the Colombian forward’s late score. Nevertheless, they are now close to registering back-to-back victories in the opening of the Premier League season for only the fourth time. Though Emery’s side have recently lost their consistency at home ground, they are still a strong side regarding goal scoring at Villa Park, scoring at least twice in their last eight matches.
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with teammates Arsenal FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC – Premier League (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Arsenal started their 2024-25 season against Wolves, against whom they now have scored in 34 successive games, with Kai Havertz scoring after a brilliant assist from Bukayo Saka in the 25th minute. Though Arteta’s men did allow Wolves to make a slight comeback, Saka’s 74th-minute goal, with Havertz this time assisting, ensured that Arsenal won their opening game of the season.
Arsenal now need to ensure that they deliver a more convincing win this weekend and stretch their winning streak in the Premier League to eight games. Arsenal have been decent during the pre-season friendlies. However, they come into the contest against Villans, who were the only team two win both the fixtures of the last season with a 1-0 win at home and a 2-0 win against the Gunners at their home ground in Emirates.
Team News
In the 82nd minute, in the West Ham game, Arsenal had to take off their right back Matty Cash, who had received a knock on the top of his leg, though Emery hadn’t mentioned any problem with the defender after the game. The squad does have a replacement, if required, in the form of Kosta Nedelkkovic. It is also possible that Emery will move Ezri Konsa to the position for his experience. This would mean Diego Carlos would come back into the heart of defence, though he has been linked for a move.
Villa will also miss Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings, who are still recovering from serious knee injuries. This would mean that Duran gets to feature in the starting XI, who has a brilliant for his goalscoring ability and consistency, scoring one every 103 minutes.
Villa will also miss Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings, who are still recovering from serious knee injuries. This would mean that Duran gets to feature in the starting XI, who has a brilliant for his goalscoring ability and consistency, scoring one every 103 minutes.
Arsenal, too, were required to make a late chance during their win over the Wolves, with Declan Rice suffering cramps right before the final minute. However, the midfielder is expected to be available to play at the Villa Park.
Fabio Viera might be fully recovered from his hip injury to be available for selection. However, the full-back duo of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s knee and Kieran Tierney’s hamstring still need several weeks to recover from their injuries. Having scored in the last game, Havertz will be key to the game in Villa Park despite not being involved in any goal against the Villans in their last seven Premier League face-offs.
Early Predictions
Arsenal have their personal best record at an away venue of fourteen wins in Villa Park. However, to win in consecutive games, they need to play better than their game against Wolves, as Aston Villa won’t miss out on even the slightest opportunity. An early prediction is a 2-2 draw between the two sides.
Predicted lineups
Aston: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Tielemans, Onana, McGinn; Watkins, Duran
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Where to Watch in India?
Fans in India can catch the Aston Villa vs Arsenal match live on the Star Sports network. The game will also be available for live streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 pm IST on Saturday, August 24.
Can Arsenal win their 15th game in Villa park or will Aston Villa be able to retain their previous season dominance over the Gunners? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
