Aiming to make it back-to-back wins at the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Arsenal travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa this Saturday.
After defeating the Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0, Mikel Arteta's team is now second in the standings, indicating that things have already heated up. Amazing goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz sealed the deal for the Gunners in that game.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery's team, currently sixth in the Premier League, defeated West Ham 2-1 a few days prior. The two best players of the game were Amadou Onana, who gave his team the lead in the opening four minutes of play, and transfer-linked Jhon Duran, who sealed his side's victory late in the contest.
MORE: Stunning dominance: Arsenal and Man City stars lead PFA Team of the Year
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal live stream, TV channel in Australia
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in Australia:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: Optus Sport
In Australia, this game is available exclusively on Optus Sport. This platform does not offer a free trial option; instead, an active subscription is required.
If this match is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
What time does Aston Villa vs. Arsenal kick off in Australia?
This Premier League clash takes place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, and kicks off on Saturday, August 24 at 5:30 p.m. local time (BST).
Here's how that time translates to Australia time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 25 | 2:30 a.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 25 | 2:00 a.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Sat, Aug. 25 | 00:30 a.m. |
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal lineups, team news
Despite his limited participation in preseason training, Ollie Watkins led the line for Villa but only lasted 62 minutes as Emery managed his game time. He will hope for longer against Arsenal.
Amadou Onana made his debut for the Villans against West Ham, and what a debut it was as he powerfully headed home to give his side the lead. He keeps his place in an unchanged lineup.
Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Martinez — Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne — Onana, Tielemans — Bailey, Rogers, McGinn — Watkins
Injured: Kamara, Mings, Olsen
Suspended: N/A
Arteta said that Declan Rice was withdrawn against Wolves due to a cramp in his leg, but he is fit to start alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Riccardo Calafiori has to wait for his first Premier League start as the Gunners boss sticks with his trusted partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba. Jurrien Timber gets the nod at left-back.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber — Odegaard, Partey, Rice — Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Injured: Tomiyasu, Tierney, Vieira
Suspended: N/A
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal prediction
Both teams have hit the ground running, so a draw seems like a fair bet. Everyone involved would likely be content with a 1-1 result.
Since 2012, these two teams haven't drawn, playing 18 matches without a stalemate. Aston Villa's double last season snapped a four-game losing streak against the Gunners.
Emery, known for his success in knockout tournaments, has demonstrated a knack for outsmarting opponents with his strategic and meticulous game plans. The Gunners fell prey to this tactical acumen last season and will now need to prove they can adapt and overcome, which makes it an even more exciting watch.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
