Aston Villa vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest team news and confirmed line-ups from Premier League

The England striker was dead set on leaving Villa in the lurch to join Al Hilal – which, Richard Jolly writes, is a great shame for a club and player who were very good for one another.

Aston Villa are in the process of rebuilding Villa Park and expanding the stadium so that it can hold more supporters.

The North Stand is closed for the duration of the 2026/27 season and Villa Park has a temporary capacity of 37,000.

Once complete the renovation works will mean that the stadium can hold over 50,000 spectators and the upgrades are scheduled to be finished in time to host matches at Euro 2028.

Unai Emery hands out two debuts in the only changes to the Aston Villa line-up that was beaten by Brighton last time out.

Zion Suzuki starts in goal ahead of Marco Bizot and Nicolas Jackson leads the line. Emiliano Buendia drops into the No.10 role with Joao Gomes absent due to suspension.

For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta names an unchanged team to the one that defeated Coventry in their Premier League opener.

But, the big news for the Gunners is that Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes are named on the bench and could feature later in the game.

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz

Aston Villa XI: Suzuki; Cash, P. Torres, Lindelof, Maatsen, Barkley, Kamara; McGinn, Buendia, Hemmings; Jackson

Mikel Arteta spoke about Aston Villa’s successful year last season which saw they win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League.

He said: “What Villa did last year and how they finished, it was an incredible season that they had.

“It’s just one game [the defeat to Brighton] and that’s it – I’m sure [Unai Emery] will turn it around.”

Unai Emery said that his team will need the support of the Aston Villa home fans when they take on Arsenal tonight.

That is especially relevant after Villa’s loss to Brighton last week.

Emery said: “We have lost the first match with those three points, and Monday, hopefully, Villa Park is being like we always felt there – supporting, playing with us, and we will need them again.”

There were empty seats in the Villa end after they went into half-time down to 10 men as Unai Emery’s side started the season in calamitous fashion.

Ezri Konsa could make his debut for Arsenal having joined the club last week in a move from Aston Villa.

Bruno Guimaraes could return though Jurrien Timber is expected to remain sidelined

William Saliba is absent with a back injury.