Aston Villa vs. Arsenal: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Aston Villa beat Arsenal at home and away in the Premier League last season and Unai Emery's men are aiming to extend their winning streak against the Gunners at Villa Park on Saturday.

Emery managed Arsenal from 2018/19, leading the club to the Europa League Final in 2019.

Villa beat the Gunners in April 2024 to seriously dent their chances of catching Manchester City, who went on to win the Premier League last season.

Aston Villa vs. Arsenal betting picks and predictions

Under 2.5 goals (+110)

Aston Villa finished fourth in the Premier League last season, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, and they proved they could compete with the best teams in England.

Villa's successful campaign included a 1-0 home victory over runners-up Arsenal as well as a 2-0 win against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium in April. 

Those results must have delighted Villa coach Unai Emery and World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, both of whom had unsuccessful spells at Arsenal earlier in their careers.

The Gunners are chasing an 18th win in their last 20 EPL matches on Saturday but manager Mikel Arteta can expect another tough contest.

Under 2.5 goals is an appealing bet given last season's closely-fought meetings between the clubs and Arsenal's excellent defensive record.

As well as their league double against the Gunners, Villa claimed a memorable 1-0 home win over champions Manchester City in December, restricting the Citizens to only two shots at goal.

Arsenal had the best defense in the division last season, conceding just 29 goals in 38 matches, and they started the new campaign by shutting out Wolves in a 2-0 home win last weekend.

Goalkeeper David Raya made a brilliant save in that game and Arteta has a host of top-class defenders at his disposal with Jurrien Timber returning from injury and Italy international Riccardo Calafiori joining Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Ben White on the roster.  

Kai Havertz to be first goalscorer (+650)

Arsenal's Kai Havertz was denied a late equaliser at Villa Park last season as VAR judged that he had handled the ball before scoring from close range.

The Germany international could play a decisive role in a tight contest this weekend and he is worth backing to be the first goalscorer.

Havertz started in midfield on Arsenal's December trip to Villa but since then he has established himself as a key part of the Gunners' offensive unit.

Playing as a center forward, he scored nine goals in his last 14 Premier League starts of 2023/24 and kicked off the new season in a similar vein.

Havertz's brave header put Arsenal ahead in their 2-0 home win over Wolves and he can dent the confidence of a Villa side who won 2-1 at West Ham in their opening fixture.

John McGinn to be booked (+250)

Scotland international John McGinn scored the only goal of the game in this fixture last season but the combative Aston Villa man may have to do some defensive work in the rematch with Arsenal.

McGinn is an all-action midfielder, capable of scoring and creating goals as well as putting in some tough tackles.

His challenges are not always timed perfectly so he may well be booked by the referee against an Arsenal side who look to move the ball quickly and counter-attack at pace.

McGinn received nine yellow cards in 35 Premier League appearances for Villa last season. One of those cautions came in the home win over Arsenal, while he was also sent off against Tottenham in March and booked in Scotland's Euros clash with Switzerland in June.  

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Aston Villa vs. Arsenal odds

Aston Villa	+333
Tie	+280
Arsenal	-134

Aston Villa vs. Arsenal player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)	+187
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)	+187
Kai Havertz (Arsenal)	+225
Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)	+225
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)	+225
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)	+250

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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.