Saturday sees Arsenal head to the West Midlands, where they will face an Aston Villa side looking to build on their Champions League qualification last season.
The Villains enjoyed a successful outing in East London on the opening weekend, as they battled to a 2-1 victory against West Ham - as several of their new signings caught the eye.
Arsenal enjoyed a perfect start to their own Premier League campaign, after ensuring an ultimately comfortable 2-0 home win over Wolves - with a clean sheet that will instil confidence for the months ahead.
Games against Aston Villa have often been tricky for Arsenal to navigate in recent years and, in April, Unai Emery's side won at the Emirates Stadium - which ultimately cost the Gunners the Premier League title.
The Villains are unbeaten at Villa Park in their last five Premier League games there, and have scored 13 goals in that time - a record that they will be optimistic about extending.
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Team news
Aston Villa
Emery will continue to be without important duo Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings, as they both continue to recover from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
The pair are expected to remain sidelined until mid-October, when they are likely to face very carefully managed returns.
Right-back Matty Cash is a doubt after coming off against West Ham with a suspected hamstring issue, though he is not entirely ruled out of contention.
Backup goalkeeper Robin Olsen is also facing a race against time to be fit in time for the game, as he recovers from an impact injury sustained against RB Leipzig during pre-season - although the Swedish shot-stopper was not expected to feature in the contest.
Arsenal
The Gunners will continue to be without Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who continues to recover from a knee issue.
Scottish defender Kieran Tierney will also play no role in the game, as he nears a return from a hamstring issue that he suffered at Euro 2024.
Fabio Vieira is also a doubt for the game as he nears a return from a groin issue, though there is a chance that he could feature in some capacity.
Arteta has also cast doubt over the availability of Jurrien Timber, saying:
"He had a really good pre-season to a point, then we had to stop him because he had a little issue there and we didn’t feel like he was ready. We have to build him up, we have to be cautious so I’m not sure."
Eddie Nketiah may also miss the game, as the one-time England international striker nears a permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest - although he looks likely to be involved in some capacity as it stands.
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Likely lineups
Aston Villa
Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Arsenal
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Ødegaard, Martinelli; Havertz
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Key players
Aston Villa - Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins is, without doubt, the biggest threat at Emery's disposal, and the England international has the ability to cause even the best teams serious problems.
Given the exceptional record of Arsenal's defence, which kept 18 clean sheets in the 2023/24 Premier League season, Watkins' ability to breach the Gunners' backline will be integral to their chances of success.
With 19 goals and 13 assists in the league last season, the 28-year-old has certainly shown that he is capable of delivering the goods and, with the likes of Leon Bailey and Morgan Rogers around him, there is every chance that Watkins will put on a show for the home fans once again.
Arsenal - Bukayo Saka
When assessing Arsenal's potential difference-makers, it has to be said that you are spoiled for choice across all areas of the pitch.
But, among the wealth of talent, perhaps the most obvious pick is Bukayo Saka - whose 16 goals and nine assists were pivotal in the Gunners' Premier League title challenge last season.
In the opening game of the season, Saka, true to form, popped up with a spectacular goal and an equally brilliant assist as Arsenal cruised past Wolves with a 2-0 win.
Against a side who have become a formidable foe for Arsenal in recent years, Saka's performance will be integral to the Gunners' chances of success at Villa Park.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa, in Birmingham - which boasts a capacity of 42,640.
What time is kick-off?
The game is scheduled to kick off at 17:30 BST on Saturday, 24 August 2024.
How can I watch?
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Alternatively, highlights will be available on YouTube for free shortly after the full-time whistle.
