LONDON: Arsenal will be keenly aware of the challenge posed by Aston Villa as they travel to the Midlands on Saturday for a significant early test of their Premier League title aspirations.
Villa’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in April was a critical blow to the Gunners’ title hopes, with Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins sealing the win and handing the title race advantage to Manchester City. Despite winning their remaining six matches, Arsenal fell two points short of City, who went on to secure a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
While Manchester City could face potential sanctions for financial misconduct if found guilty, they are expected to remain formidable on the pitch, leaving little room for error for title contenders.
Arsenal has made a strong start to the new season, beginning with a 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, a trip to Villa Park will provide a clearer measure of their early-season form.
Villa, under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery, finished fourth last season and are anticipated to continue their strong performances this year.
Before Arsenal’s late game against Villa, Manchester City will host newly-promoted Ipswich Town, who suffered a home defeat to Liverpool in their Premier League return.
The weekend’s action kicks off on the south coast with Brighton & Hove Albion, leading the table after a 3-0 win at Everton, hosting Manchester United. United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham in their opener was seen as a positive start, but their performance raised concerns about defensive vulnerabilities reminiscent of last season.
Tottenham Hotspur, expected to challenge for a top-four finish, will face Everton, with new striker Dominic Solanke aiming to make an impact following a quiet debut in the 1-1 draw at Leicester City. Everton, having won only one of their last 23 Premier League encounters with Tottenham, will seek a quick rebound from their defeat to Brighton.
Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot will make his home debut on Sunday, hosting Brentford, while Chelsea’s new boss Enzo Maresca will look for his first league points as the Blues travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Maresca’s task has been complicated by Raheem Sterling’s exclusion from first-team training and a recent squad reshuffle, including Joao Felix’s permanent move from Atletico Madrid.
Fixtures (all times GMT):
Saturday:
– Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United (11:30)
– Manchester City v Ipswich Town
– Crystal Palace v West Ham United
– Fulham v Leicester City
– Southampton v Nottingham Forest
– Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
– Aston Villa v Arsenal (16:30)
Sunday:
– Bournemouth v Newcastle United
– Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea (13:00)
– Liverpool v Brentford (15:30)
