Game Week 2 Predictions: Arsenal and Villa to share spoils at the Villa Park?

Villa vs. Arsenal preview: High-stakes clash as Villa seeks another upset, while Arsenal aims to revenge last season's costly defeats. Expect a draw.

Aston Villa enjoyed success over Arsenal last season, can they do it again? (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Aston Villa vs. Arsenal

Villa Park

5:30pm

Aston Villa will be rocking on Saturday as the Gunners travel to the midlands to fight out three points against Unai Emery’s side. It’s arguably the fixture of the weekend, and it would mean a lot to the two teams for different reasons.

Aston Villa beat Arsenal over two legs last season, with the second defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium proving too costly for the Gunners as it took them off track in the title race. They did win the rest of their games after that, but the great run wasn’t enough to crown them champions.

Arsenal must be hurting from that incident against Villa; they dominated the game but couldn’t find a way past the Villa defence. It must be on their minds as they travel to Villa on Saturday; it’s a fixture to enjoy, especially for the neutrals.

The Gunners are quite close; the signing of Mikel Merino will improve their midfield quality, and they could be better off if Thomas Partey stays fit. The quality from Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice is something to be excited about.

Amadou Onana's arrival has cushioned the loss of Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans has rediscovered himself, and John McGinn is always an asset in the Villa midfield.

Both clubs emerged victorious from their opening day fixtures. Villa secured a three-point victory against West Ham to kick off the new campaign, while Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Wolves.

Aston Villa has a good manager, one who knows the Gunners well, having managed them in the past, and, after getting the better of them twice last season, he will set up to nullify the threats of Arsenal's wide men while keeping things compact in the middle of the park.

Mikel Arteta is a competitive man; he will take the challenge with both hands. He believes the boys don’t need too much motivation to do their best to beat Villa. It’s quite simple: if you want to beat City to the title, you must win games like this.

Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz have started brightly; they will combine again to full effect at Villa; Rice and Partey's midfield will tick; Odegaard can dictate the game to trouble Villa; defensive solidity is Arsenal's thing; can Villa get past them?

Verdict: Full-time draw