Arsenal face their first major test of the 2026/27 Premier League season when they travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa on Monday night
Arsenal could hardly have asked for a better start to their title defence.
Mikel Arteta’s side opened the campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City, immediately showing that last season’s championship-winning form has not disappeared over the summer.
SETTING THE STANDARD. pic.twitter.com/bmwO0aMzjO
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 21, 2026
Now, however, the Gunners face a much tougher challenge against an Aston Villa side desperate to respond after a disastrous opening weekend.
Villa were dismantled 4-0 by Brighton on the opening day, extending a difficult run that has also included defeats in pre-season and the UEFA Super Cup.
Full-time. pic.twitter.com/NTzs3LA84C
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 23, 2026
Unai Emery’s team have also endured a turbulent summer, losing several important players, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, while Ollie Watkins is also set to leave for Saudi Arabia.
This makes Arsenal’s visit particularly dangerous for the hosts. The Gunners are arriving with confidence, and they have historically enjoyed playing at Villa Park, having won there more times than at any other stadium in their Premier League history.
Villa, though, have also developed a habit of causing problems for reigning champions on home soil, having beaten the previous season’s league winners in each of their last three home campaigns.
There is also a personal subplot for Arsenal’s new-look squad.
Ezri Konsa could make his Arsenal debut against his former club after completing his move from Villa, while Bruno Guimaraes is also in contention to make his first appearance after recovering from a minor injury. Arteta confirmed that both players could be available for selection.
Team News
Arsenal remain without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, while Guimaraes’ availability will be assessed before kick-off. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are expected to lead the attack after Arsenal’s impressive opening-day display.
🟡 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 🔵
🆚 Aston Villa
🕗 8pm (UK)
🏆 Premier League
🏟️ Villa Park🤝 @airwallex pic.twitter.com/J3TAHjRdBT
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2026
Villa have their own problems to deal with. Amadou Onana is unavailable through injury, while Joao Gomes is suspended following his red card against Brighton.
New signing Nicolas Jackson has been registered in time to make his debut, while former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka could also feature after joining Villa on a free transfer.
Aston Villa Predicted XI
Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Ruggeri; Bogarde, Kamara; Buendia, Barkley, McGinn; Jackson
Arsenal Predicted XI
Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
Score Prediction
Aston Villa 1-3 Arsenal
