Aston Villa v Arsenal: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Aston Villa were the only team to take six points off Arsenal last season but they might have to settle for a draw at Villa Park this weekend.

Repeating last season’s fourth place will be a tricky challenge for Villa, but they got off on the right footing with last Saturday’s impressive 2-1 victory at West Ham.

Arsenal have their sights fixed on challenging for the title and they made a solid, albeit unspectacular start by defeating Wolves 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Villa are generally strong on home soil and are 10/3 to make it two wins from two. Arsenal are 3/4 to prevail and 14/5 to return to London with a share of the spoils.

Aston Villa v Arsenal betting tips and predictions

Draw - 14/5

Aston Villa were Arsenal’s bogey team last season and they can hold the Gunners to a draw on matchday two of the 2024/25 campaign.

Unai Emery’s side faded towards the end of last term but they could look back on a hugely positive campaign having registered the club’s highest finish since 1996.

Champions League football will present another huge challenge for the midlands side, who may look to do a little more squad strengthening before the transfer window shuts.

There are question marks around the depth of Villa’s squad, but their first eleven impressed last Saturday with a well-deserved 2-1 victory at West Ham.

Home form was a great strength for Villa last season with 12 of their 20 league wins coming at Villa Park, including notable 1-0 successes over Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, they shared the points in three of their final four home fixtures and might be content to do the same against an Arsenal side which has established themselves as the main challengers to Manchester City.

Arsenal finished just two points adrift of the summit last season and are anxious to find further improvement and land their first league title since 2004.

They got off to a solid enough start with last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Wolves but, in a post Euros campaign, a few of their players may need a little time before they fire on all cylinders.

Arsenal go into every game with the intention of winning but their trip to Villa could be among the tougher assignments of the season and it may only yield a share of the spoils.

Ollie Watkins to score the first goal - 13/2

Ollie Watkins has been a thorn in Arsenal’s side, scoring in two of the last three meetings, and he looks an overpriced 13/2 shot to open the scoring this weekend.

The 28-year-old has been a late-bloomer and did not make his England debut until March 2021.

But he impressed off the bench at Euro 2024 and is likely to be feeling as confident as at any stage of his career.

Watkins was given a break after the Euros and lasted an hour of Villa’s victory at West Ham.

However, he should be sharper and fitter after another full week of training under his belt and may be ready to register his first goal of the campaign.

Lucas Digne to be carded - 11/4

Arsenal’s outstanding player on the opening weekend was Bukayo Saka, who contributed an assist and a goal.

The 22-year-old gave the Wolves defence a torrid time and is sure to receive some close attention at Villa Park.

Villa left back Lucas Digne will be the man tasked with dealing with the Saka threat and he may have to resort to some illegal methods.

Digne received seven Premier League yellow cards across last season and he looks a solid 11/4 wager for a booking against Arsenal.

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Aston Villa v Arsenal odds

Aston Villa - 10/3
Draw - 14/5
Arsenal - 3/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.