Image source: Getty Images
2026/27 Premier League, Matchday 2
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Villa Park, Birmingham
Monday 31 August, 20:00
Arsenal will look to add to Aston Villa’s woes in the Premier League when the teams meet at Villa Park for a Matchday 2 clash on the evening of Monday 31 August, kick-off at 20:00.
Form
Arsenal opened the defence of their Premier League title in emphatic style on Friday night, crushing newly-promoted Coventry City 3-0 at home thanks to goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Aston Villa, by contrast, suffered a heavy 4-0 thrashing away to Brighton on Sunday. The Villans were four goals down inside the opening 31 minutes, and things got even worse when Joao Gomes was sent off before half time.
Team news
Villa will be without Gomes due to suspension, while Amadou Onana (long term knee injury), Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are set to be sidelined. Further complicating issues is Ollie Watkins, who was left out of the squad as he agitates for a transfer.
Arsenal have William Saliba and Jurrien Timber out with injury, which could see a debut for new signing Ezri Konsa against his former club. Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes will also be monitored after suffering a thigh knock.
Head-to-head
Villa and Arsenal have met in 203 matches across all competitions. The Gunners have claimed 87 wins compared to 71 for the Villans, while 45 games have been drawn.
The teams’ league meetings last season produced two home wins: Villa triumphed 2-1 in Birmingham in December 2025, but Arsenal claimed revenge with a 4-1 victory in London later the same month.
Quotes
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta:
“There was a lot to like. Obviously it was a great result, but the manner we started the game, the domination, clarity, understanding and growth in the game was really impressive. It was great because the start is always tricky; we played a team that had a long time to prepare as well, and they are really good at what they do. But again, I was really impressed with the result today.”
Premier League Matchday 2 Fixtures
Friday 28 August
20:00: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
Saturday 29 August
12:30: Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool
15:00: Coventry City vs Hull City
15:00: Bournemouth vs Everton
17:30: Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
Sunday 30 August
14:00: Chelsea vs Brighton
14:00: Leeds United vs Brentford
14:00: Sunderland vs Fulham
16:30: Manchester United vs Ipswich Town
Monday 31 August
20:00: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Bet on the English Premier League with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action & heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer Bet on the English Premier League with Betway Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action & heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.