Aston Villa will be aiming to put a miserable opening day defeat behind them when they host Arsenal at Villa Park on August 31. The Gunners will be favored at the best soccer betting sites, but could the hosts spring an upset with home support behind them?
Villa Struggling After Losing Key Stars
It has been a miserable summer for Aston Villa, as the club have lost key players such as Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans, and Morgan Rogers. Last season’s top scorer Ollie Watkins is also set to depart before the transfer deadline.
Unai Emery’s mood wouldn’t have been improved following a heavy opening day loss against Brighton, with the Villa conceding four goals in the opening 45 minutes. It will likely require time for Villa to reach their peak this season, with an overhaul of the squad ensuring a lack of unison.
Alejandro Garnacho could be handed a first start for the club this Monday, while teenager Brian Madjo is fit again after missing the opening day loss at Brighton. Madjo has been a breakout star during pre-season, scoring twice in four appearances.
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Gunners Chasing Successive Wins to Start the Season
It was business as usual on the opening day of the Premier League season for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta’s side made a straightforward start to their title defense. The Gunners purred in the final third of the field against Coventry City, scoring three unanswered goals.
Martin Odegaard’s return to fitness was a key reason for their improved showing in the final third, with the captain scoring and playing a role in the other two goals. Bruno Guimaraes should be fit enough to make the bench this week.
Christos Tzolis has also enjoyed an excellent start to his Arsenal career, registering two goal involvements in as many appearances. Arsenal still have defensive injuries to contend with this week, as Jurrien Timber and William Saliba remain out. But, Ezri Konsa could make his Gunners debut against his former club.
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal Picks
Things aren’t good at Aston Villa at this moment, and the influx of new signings will mean that they will need time to gel. Arsenal looked like a well-oiled machine on their return to the Premier League, and their excellent record against Villa ensures that they will be the obvious play when making picks on Monday.
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Arsenal (-191)
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