Gunners Face Powerful First Away Take a look at

August 30, 2026
6:39 am

Premier League champions Arsenal will face their first main away check of the 2026-27 marketing campaign after they journey to Villa Park to satisfy Aston Villa on Monday night.

Mikel Arteta’s aspect made an emphatic begin to their title defence, beating newly promoted Coventry Metropolis 3-0 on the Emirates. That victory adopted their Neighborhood Protect overcome Manchester Metropolis, giving Arsenal two wins, six targets and two clear sheets to start the brand new marketing campaign.

Arsenal may also be chasing historical past. Having gained their final 4 opening away fixtures, the Gunners might file 5 consecutive away victories initially of a Premier League season for the primary time of their historical past.

Taiwo Awoniyi Makes Coventry Debut in 3–0 Loss to Arsenal - Photo Credit : Coventry, X — Taiwo Awoniyi Makes Coventry Debut in 3–0 Loss to Arsenal – Photograph Credit score : Coventry, X

Aston Villa, in the meantime, want a right away response after their disastrous 4-0 defeat to Brighton. The consequence uncovered a number of weaknesses in Unai Emery’s squad, with Villa conceding 4 targets inside 31 minutes earlier than Joao Gomes was despatched off.

The hosts have since strengthened with the arrivals of Leon Goretzka and Nicolas Jackson, with each gamers out there for Monday’s contest. Villa may also draw confidence from profitable three consecutive dwelling league matches towards reigning champions.

Nonetheless, Arsenal have already defeated Villa 4-1 within the corresponding dwelling fixture final season and can enter the competition as favourites.

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Ezri Konsa might make his debut towards his former membership, though he’s more likely to begin on the bench. Bruno Guimaraes has an opportunity of getting back from a minor groin downside, whereas Jurrien Timber and William Saliba stay unavailable. Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus is also ignored amid switch hypothesis.

Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka are each registered and out there to debut. Joao Gomes begins a three-match suspension following his crimson card towards Brighton, whereas Amadou Onana stays sidelined with a knee harm. Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are additionally unavailable.