The Premier League season is among us and Aston Villa kick off their campaign against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. These teams have endured very contrasting summers, Arsenal have endured a very frustrating summer, missing out on many key transfer targets such as Jovetic, Higuian and Rooney; as a result, Wenger has only brought in one player, Sanogo. Aston Villa, meanwhile have brought in 6 young players.
Arsenal will hope to maintain their Champions League status, however fans had hoped for a push for the Premier League title after Wenger had allegedly been given a transfer chest of over £70 million pounds. Aston Villa, will hope to improve on last season and hope for a better Premier League finish from last season.
Team News:
Arteta is out injured for roughly 6 weeks following a thigh injury. Vermaelen and Diaby are long-term injuries and will certainly not feature. Cazorla is a doubt and his fitness will be assessed before the game. Some encouraging news for Wenger is that Ramsay is fit and available after missing Wales friendly due to injury.
Aston Villa will be without Sylla who has picked up a twisted knee following a youth game. Midfielder Chris Herd is still out with a calf injury. N’Zogbia is another long-term casualty.
Match Facts:
Villa have won just two of their last 19 trips to London to face Arsenal, but both of these have come since the Gunners moved to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have not lost any of their last 12 opening Premier League games (W8 D4), though they have drawn their last three.
The Emirates Stadium saw more goals than any other stadium in the Premier League last season (70).
Possibly Lineups:
Szczesny
Jenkinson-Mertesacker-Kosielny-Gibbs
Ramsay-Wilshere
Walcott-Rosicky-Cazorla
Giroud
Agbonlahor-Benteke-Weimann
Tonev
Westwood-Delph
Luna-Baker-Vlaar-Lowton
Guzan
Predictions
Arsenal 1-1 Aston Villa
I think Aston Villa can snatch a draw, I think there might be a hint of frustration from the Arsenal fans, and if things don’t go well for Arsenal quickly, it will be tough. There is more optimism around Aston Villa and I think that Lambert will get his team playing more freely. Without Sylla, I think we are a bit weaker defensively, but with Tonev in the squad, I think that Lambert will have a go at Arsenal.
Yes Villa Yes! Arsenal goal keeper complaining, shouldn’t have been on anyways but who cares!
About time big decisions went our way
We are top o the league oh we are top of league, We are top o the league oh we are top of league
Don’t even know where to start with game analysis, defence were SOLID in the second half! And Tony Moon, oh Tony Moon, hero
UTV
Ron vlaar vlaar deserves a big cigar lol
We are top of league we are top of the league.
Unfuckinbelievable what a fuckin result
Well well who’d have thought it. Bring on Liverpool.
Chelsea first on wed. Last time we win3.1 away we lost 8.0 to Chelsea lol. What a great result pinch me I’m dreaming
Draw I reckon.
Were gonna win the league
I’m wandering round London seeing some very miserable Gunners! Bloody superb result! Time for a beer or ten…
Brilliant opening day!….tesco bags and scumbags both losing at home!
Pride of the Midlands, we know what we are!