Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction, Preview, Team News and Lineups 31.08.2026

Event Details

• Date and Time: Monday, August 31, 2026, 3 PM EDT
• Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
• Competition: Premier League

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Preview and Team News

Aston Villa Team News

Aston Villa’s recent form has been pitiful: they have lost each of their last four outings. They began the new season with a 0-4 loss away at Brighton and Hove Albion. Manager Unai Emery, who led this club into the UEFA Champions League last season, knows the results need to improve soon.

Villa had just 27% possession against Brighton and, quite naturally, struggled to do much with it. Although the team recorded six shots, none were on target. The Villans‘ attacking performance was so shambolic that they managed just five touches in the opposition box and failed to create a single big chance. Brighton also dominated in the air: Villa lost 70% of their aerial duels.

Joao Gomes is suspended. Tammy Abraham, Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi, Brian Madjo, and Leon Bailey, meanwhile, are all sidelined with injuries.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Maatsen, Torres, Lindelof, Cash; Bogarde, Kamara; Hemmings, Barkley, McGinn; Buendia.

Arsenal Team News

Defending champions Arsenal started the new Premier League season with a convincing 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City last week. Before that, the Gunners beat Manchester City by the same scoreline to win the FA Community Shield.

Against Coventry, Mikel Arteta’s men took 20 shots and produced an xG of 1.88. Captain Martin Odegaard impressed with 93% passing accuracy and 100% shot accuracy.

Winger Christos Tzolis also starred, recording a team-high eight touches in the opposition box. On his Premier League debut for Arsenal, the Greek also took a game-high four shots, created three chances, and put two shots on target. Fellow winger Bukayo Saka also had a 100% shot accuracy rate.

Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are sidelined with injuries, while new signing Bruno Guimaraes is a doubt.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-3-3): Raya; Calafiori, Gabriel, Mosquera, White; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard; Tzolis, Havertz, Saka.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction

• Pick: Arsenal to win
• Odds: -189 (20Bet)
• Correct score prediction: Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal

We expect Arsenal to win. Their form has been much better than that of their opponents, as the Gunners have not lost in any of their last three matches. They have also avoided defeat in 20 of their previous 28 meetings with Villa.

Even away from home, Arsenal have had the advantage, winning eight of their last 13 games against the Villans.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction, Betting Tip

• Pick: First-half total – over 1 goal
• Odds: -162 (20Bet)

The first half should produce more than one goal. Arsenal are likely to be the aggressor, especially after Villa were incredibly poor in their last match against Brighton.

The Gunners scored three against Coventry and even put three past Manchester City. Their attacking players are in prime form, as evidenced by the 20 shots they took last week.

Kai Havertz, Saka, and Odegaard have already opened their accounts this season, while Victor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze are waiting on the bench. Villa’s defense was torn to shreds by Brighton, and the Gunners, with a more threatening attack, are expected to do the same.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Where to Watch (USA, Canada)

• Peacock (USA)
• Fubo (Canada)

Disclaimer: The content provided on this page, including all soccer predictions, odds, and related information, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and timeliness, we do not guarantee the correctness or reliability of any predictions, data, or information presented here.

By Mohul Bhowmick

Updated: 31 Aug 2026, 13:56