Aston Villa superfan Ozzy Osbourne is best known for his vocals on the famous heavy rock hit “Paranoid,” which features, along with Osbourne in the widely publicised Villa kit launch video. Mikel Arteta could be forgiven for feeling a touch of paranoia himself as he prepares for an early-season encounter with the Villans.
Last term, Unai Emery’s upwardly mobile side took six points off the Gunners, ultimately denying Arteta the title, courtesy of a 2–0 away win at the Emirates in April. This fixture has taken on a rare dynamic and rivalry: the scorned former Arsenal manager, Emery, versus the trusted successor, Arteta. Born just 20 km apart in the Basque region of Spain, both are now in charge of highly aspirational top-four clubs.
Team news
Arsenal
No fresh injury concerns have been reported by Arteta. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney remain sidelined. The key decision for the manager is who starts at left-back: Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber? Zinchenko could be viewed as a risk up against the pace and guile of Villa winger Leon Bailey. Timber looks the quicker and more physically imposing choice based on his late cameo in last week’s season opener, but questions remain over the Dutchman’s fitness levels after his lengthy injury absence.
The rest of the team is expected to be unchanged. With the imminent arrival of versatile midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, Thomas Partey will be looking to impress. The Ghanaian struggled in the second half of the Wolves game, lacking pace and surrendering possession on more than one occasion.
Aston Villa
Long-term absentees Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings will not feature. The Gunners’ back line will need to closely monitor England forward Ollie Watkins, who has scored in two of the last three contests between the teams.
Predicted Starting XI
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Match prediction
Aston Villa 1–2 Arsenal
What are the managers saying?
Mikel Arteta
On how Villa did the double over us last season and why they are a tough opponent:
“They scored and we didn’t; it’s very simple. In two games we had an enormous amount of chances to do that, and that was the big difference. There were other details for sure, which we have analysed, and we will have to do better tomorrow because they are a really good side with a good coach.
“They dominate every aspect of the game; when you give them space to run, they are phenomenal; when there is no space and they have to find it, they can do that. In any restarts or set pieces, they are at it, and that’s why they did what they did.”
Unai Emery
On facing Arsenal in Villa’s first home match of the season:
“Tomorrow is three points, a very difficult three points against one of the favourite teams this year to win the league. They are progressing a lot, they are improving a lot, and they are being very competitive, more and more. It’s a big challenge for us tomorrow. They are favourites against us tomorrow and contenders to win the Premier League and be in the top four.
“The challenge is motivating for us and our supporters to face them. We are playing in Villa Park tomorrow, the first match this year. I am very, very motivated and very focused on how we can compete as soon as possible in our best level. Some players are adapting to our idea but not completely like I want yet. Tomorrow, we have to get our best performances individually and collectively to beat them.”
How to watch
The match is being shown live in the UK on Sky Sports. Kick-off is 17:30 UK time.
Highlights will be shown on BBC One’s Match of the Day at 22:20 in the UK.
Weather forecast for Aston, Birmingham
Thundery showers and a gentle breeze (source: BBC)