Aston Villa are set to welcome reigning champions Arsenal to Villa Park on Monday night at 8 pm GMT.
Aston Villa have had a turbulent summer, with plenty of incomings and departures from their title-winning squad of the 2025/26 season. They could still add or lose more players ahead of deadline day.
Unfortunately, they already have to take on reigning champions Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners have been handed a fine start, alongside positive form in pre-season and the Community Shield.
On the contrary, Aston Villa had a woeful start to the season. They were beaten in the UEFA Super Cup and suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Brighton last week at the AMEX Stadium. Such was their worst opening-day defeat in the Premier League era.
Unai Emery knows his team need to pick up points in this game to avoid another disappointing result, which could add more pressure to a side that is practically brand new and has not gelled yet.
One thing that might give Emery’s side more confidence is their head-to-head record. In the last six encounters, Villa have won three times, including one at home last season, with one draw and two defeats.
It is high time for Emery to test his new team and new signings. Unfortunately, it will not be easy as they have to face the reigning champions, who might field their former key man Ezri Konsa.
The Spanish boss shared his hope for his new team ahead of this crucial first home game, as reported by ESPN.
“We have to rebuild the team as fast as possible; we have to accept our way, our decisions, and why we are taking some decisions, but I am positive, and we are working.
“At the same time, rebuilding the team with the players, they can understand how we want to play, and trying to give some necessary time for some players to adapt to us.
“Of course, some players, they will need more time than others, and the players, they are with us for a long time. They must compete now, strong, and of course with all the ideas we were building, and trying to adapt the new players as fast as possible.”
Emery is aware that such adaptation is a must in the Premier League. There is no room for mistakes; otherwise, they could slump to another disappointing result.
Therefore, he will have to pick the best possible names in the starting lineup and squad. Sadly, they have four players unavailable for this game. Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are injured, while Joao Gomes is serving a suspension following his red card against Brighton last week. Meanwhile, Tammy Abraham and Leon Bailey are expected to leave, either on loan or permanently, soon.
Zion Suzuki is likely to make his debut between the sticks. At the back, Tyrone Mings might get the nod ahead of Victor Lindelof to accompany Pau Torres following his dismal form at the AMEX Stadium. On the flanks, Matty Cash and Ian Maatsen would start, while Matteo Ruggeri could be introduced in the second half.
In midfield, Emery will have to choose either Leon Goretzka or Ross Barkley to partner Boubacar Kamara in the double pivot, with Joao Gomes ruled out. Then, on the right wing, Ibrahim Mbaye could start, with Emiliano Buendia on the left and John McGinn in central midfield.
McGinn could swap roles with Goretzka as a number eight and number 10 during the game to support Nicolas Jackson. Alejandro Garnacho and George Hemmings could be given an opportunity in the second half to add more pressure to Arsenal’s defensive line.
The clash of Aston Villa v Arsenal will be available on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Go Extra, and Sky Go UK on TV as well as live streaming. The fans can also enjoy this game on NOW TV.
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