The Gunners will look to claim their fifth victory to begin the 2022/23 season. This week they face Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium, where their fans will bay for blood.
There has definitely been a change in the relationship between this current squad and their fans. Gone are the hyper-critical boo-boys. Arsenal supporters are a much more harmonious group these days. Some Gunners fans commented that their most recent fixture against Fulham was one of the best atmospheres Gunners fans have created in recent years.
At the other end of the spectrum is Aston Villa. Steven Gerrard’s men were booed off the pitch after falling in defeat to fellow strugglers, West Ham. It is imperative the Villans get an excellent result against high flying Arsenal here.
A loss and things could get really toxic at Villa Park.
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Aston Villa at Arsenal FYIs
Kick-off: Sunday, Aug 31, 7:30 pm local, Emirates Stadium
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple
Google Result Probability: Arsenal victory 66% Draw 20% Aston Villa victory 14%
Team News
Reiss Nelson remains out for the foreseeable future. Arsenal’s new signing Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is suffering from a knee injury, joined him on the absentee list.
They withdrew him from the Fulham game as a precaution, but we still consider him a major doubt for this clash.
Thomas Partey is another who was withdrawn from the Fulham match. The Ghanaian suffered a thigh injury that, much like Zinchenko, threatens to see him miss out again here against Villa. This weekend seems a far more likely target for the duo to return.
Starting XI Prediction
Aaron Ramsdale has been immense so far this season and he will be hard to beat again against Villa.
Ben White remains out of position, but still starting at right back. Kieran Tierney benefits from Zinchenko’s absence to start at left back.
Gabriel and William Saliba start as the central defensive pairing.
Mohamed Elneny will pair up with Granit Xhaka in Thomas Partey’s absence as the deepest lying central midfielders. Martin Odegaard, one of the best players in the entire league so far this season, starts further up the field, in a more attacking role.
Gab Martinelli and Bukayo Saka play on either side of Gabriel Jesus. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Stuey’s Two Cents
Scott Parker was incredibly, already sacked by Bournemouth just four matches into the season. If Steven Gerrard doesn’t arrest the Villans’ slide, then he might find himself in the same boat. Things don’t get any easier for Gerrard and Villa right now, as Arsenal is rampaging at the moment. They are undefeated in the league and I don’t see a scenario where the Gunners don’t walk away with a win here.
A big one. Arsenal 5-0
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He also co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.