Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction 31.08.2026 | Premier League

Aston Villa return to Birmingham after suffering a humiliating 4:0 defeat against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

Victor Lindelöf’s early own goal was followed by strikes from Maxim De Cuyper and Jack Hinshelwood, who scored twice to give Brighton a 4:0 lead after 31 minutes.

João Gomes was later sent off as Villa finished without registering a shot on target.

Emery’s side have undergone dramatic surgery this summer, and a lack of cohesion was hugely evident in their disastrous defeat last weekend.

The out-of-form hosts have now lost each of their last four matches, and six of eight fixtures since the start of the summer. Defensive issues have been a factor, with 18 goals conceded in those matches. The Villans also failed to keep a clean sheet in that period.

Head coach Emery has several absentees this weekend. João Gomes is suspended, while Tammy Abraham, Leon Bailey, Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are expected to remain unavailable through injury.

Ollie Watkins was absent against Brighton and is expected to complete a move to Al-Hilal. Villa have agreed a deal to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, although the Senegalese forward must be registered before he can make his debut on Monday.

Alejandro Garnacho, Emiliano Buendía and John McGinn should continue in the attacking midfield positions.

Arsenal travel to Villa Park after beginning their title defence with a comfortable 3:0 victory against Coventry at the Emirates Stadium.

Kai Havertz fired Mikel Arteta’s side into an early lead before Bukayo Saka doubled their advantage inside the opening 23 minutes. Captain Martin Ødegaard completed the scoring four minutes after half-time as Arsenal eased to an impressive opening day victory. 

The Gunners have now won both of their competitive matches this season by the same 3:0 scoreline, having previously eased past Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Arsenal also finished last season strongly, winning their final six league fixtures to secure their first Premier League title since 2004.

Arteta continues to contend with several defensive absences. William Saliba and Jurriën Timber are expected to remain sidelined, while summer signing Bruno Guimarães is also unavailable.

Former Villa defender Ezri Konsa could start alongside Gabriel Magalhães or Piero Hincapié in central defence.