Aston Villa is coming into this match in great form to start the new season. They won their 1st match of the season 2-1 against West Ham away from home. Last season, they were a very good team in the Premier League that finished high in the table, even fighting for top 4 at times, but they were not as good away from home so they are going to have a lot of confidence from that 1st win. They have been a much better team at home under Unai Emery since he took over, being one of the better home teams in the Premier League over the last 2 years now, and they will be pushing to open up their home debut with 3 points and keep on pace at the top of the table with a perfect record. They are going up against an Arsenal side that has also been a very good team in the league over the last 2 seasons, competing in the title race each year, but just falling short each time. They are coming off of a 2-0 win at home against Wolverhampton in their 1st match of the season. Arsenal dominated the Wolves who did not put up much of a fight in that match, but now they will be playing their 1st away match of the season and against a team that they have struggled with recently. Aston Villa actually completed the double over Arsenal last season and Arsenal did not score a goal in either match, getting outscored 3-0 in those 2 matches last season. Aston Villa has been much better at home with their attack being a lot more potent but also their defense allowing fewer goals so this is not going to be an easy match for Arsenal to even get a point in. Aston Villa did it twice last season and they have a very similar squad this year, they can beat Arsenal at home or even take a point from them here. Aston Villa will win this match at home or at least draw, take Aston Villa +0.5 here.
England Premier League: Aston Villa ML, Rot. 200066