An early-season blockbuster in the English Premier League pits Aston Villa, the perennial dark horse, against Arsenal, the side that finally ended a 22-year wait for the title last season. The match takes place on Monday, August 30, at Villa Park in Birmingham, with kickoff at 8pm (19:00 GMT). Al Jazeera Sport will provide live coverage from 16:00 GMT.
Villa had been pushing the contenders in recent seasons but finished fourth last term, securing Champions League qualification only after a late-season surge. They also won the UEFA Europa League. Arsenal, meanwhile, dethroned Manchester City, who had won four consecutive titles, and show no signs of relinquishing their grip.
Arsenal enter the match brimming with confidence. Mikel Arteta's men swept aside Manchester City and Coventry City 3-0 to claim the Community Shield and start their title defense perfectly. Aston Villa, however, were thrashed 4-0 by Brighton in their opening league match, conceding four goals in the first 31 minutes and having Joao Gomes sent off.
Villa also lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. Ezri Konsa could make his Arsenal debut on his return to Villa Park, where he is likely to receive a frosty reception. With William Saliba sidelined by a back injury, Konsa may get his chance. Arteta revealed he has had difficult conversations with forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, both of whom appear set to leave.
Martinelli is reportedly close to a move to Saudi side Al Hilal for a fee that could rise to £50 million ($68m). Jesus, entering the final year of his contract, was not even included in training on Thursday. Arsenal have also been linked with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, but Arteta refused to comment.
Villa manager Unai Emery spoke about Ollie Watkins' departure to Al Hilal for £50 million, saying: "He was wrong, but we accepted it. He always had very good behavior and commitment. I told him bye with a huge hug and small tears." Nicolas Jackson has been brought in from Chelsea for an initial £47.5 million ($64.3m).
Villa have been forced to sell many stars due to financial sustainability rules. Emery remains determined: "We don't want to be a club to sell players, but the responsibility is there. Our priority is to be competitive and fight for top positions."
In their last meeting, Arsenal won 4-1. Last season at Villa Park, the hosts triumphed 2-1. Overall, in 208 meetings, Arsenal have won 89, Villa 72. The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal a 63% chance of winning, while Villa have just 16%.
Source: www.aljazeera.com