Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction, Lineups, Betting Pick, Latest Premier League Odds - Monday, August 31st
Aston Villa host Arsenal in an early-season Premier League showdown. Read our full match preview, lineups, team news, and betting prediction for Monday, August 31st.
OC Staff - August 31, 2026, 1:30 PM EDT
3 Minute ReadAston Villa vs Arsenal: Lineups, Team News and Prediction
Aston Villa welcome Arsenal to their home ground for an intriguing Premier League clash on Monday, August 31st, with kick-off scheduled for 3 PM ET. The hosts will be desperate to kickstart their campaign after a bruising opening match left them sitting down in 17th place, while the visitors arrive in 9th position looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Recent Results
The home side suffered a nightmare start to the season, collapsing to a heavy 4-0 defeat away at Brighton. This continued a difficult run of results for the Villans, who also fell to defeats against Borussia Monchengladbach and Paris Saint-Germain in the build-up to the campaign. However, entertainment is usually guaranteed with the hosts, as there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Aston Villa's last 5 games in the Premier League.
In stark contrast, the visitors have started the season in imperious form, brushing aside Coventry 3-0 in their opening fixture. The Gunners have now won their last 6 matches in the Premier League, demonstrating incredible defensive resilience along the way. Indeed, Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 matches in the Premier League, and they have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 6 matches in the competition.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Head to Head
The last meeting between these two sides saw the north London outfit claim a dominant 4-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium in December 2025.
Historically, however, the Villans have more than held their own; over the last six meetings, the home team has won three times, with the visitors winning twice and one match ending in a draw. Goals are a common theme in this fixture, as Aston Villa have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Odds
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Monday, August 31st, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: USA Network, Universo
Click here for complete Aston Villa vs Arsenal Odds
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Probable Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Maatsen, Torres, Lindelöf, Cash; Kamara, McGinn; Garnacho, Barkley, Hemmings; Buendía
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Calafiori, Magalhaes, Mosquera, White; Guimarães, Lewis-Skelly; Tzolis, Ødegaard, Saka; Havertz
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Team News
The hosts are facing a significant selection crisis. Joao Gomes is suspended after picking up a red card on his debut, while Josaia Manzambi, Amadou Onana, and Brian Madjo are all ruled out through injury. With Madjo sidelined and Ollie Watkins not involved due to an impending transfer, Emiliano Buendia is expected to lead the line. Unai Emery could hand full debuts to Zion Suzuki and Matteo Ruggeri, but Leon Goretzka is unlikely to feature, and Emiliano Martinez will not be involved as he also seeks a move away.
The visitors have far fewer concerns, though defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined with back and groin injuries respectively. On a positive note, Bruno Guimaraes is expected to return to the starting lineup after a muscle injury kept him out of the previous match.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Match Facts
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Aston Villa's last 5 games in Premier League.
- Aston Villa have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
- Arsenal have won their last 6 matches in Premier League.
- Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 matches in Premier League.
- Arsenal have been winning at both half time and full time in 5 of their last 6 matches in Premier League.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal
While the hosts will want to put their opening-day disappointment behind them, they face a monumental task against the champions. Arsenal possess devastating attacking qualities, particularly when attacking down the wings and finishing scoring chances.
Conversely, the home side struggles with defending against wing play, keeping possession, and avoiding individual errors. With the visitors predicted to dominate possession and control the game in the opposition's half, a comfortable 3-1 away victory looks highly likely.
Best Bet: Arsenal to Win and Over 2.5 Goals (+116) Click here to get the best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Given the visitors' formidable league form and the hosts' defensive vulnerabilities, backing an away win combined with over 2.5 goals offers excellent value. This angle is strongly supported by the fact that over 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Aston Villa's last five league games, as well as in the last three head-to-head meetings between these two sides.
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