Aston Villa’s injury crisis adds to Arsenal challenge at Villa Park

Aston Villa face a difficult test against reigning champions Arsenal at Villa Park on the second matchday of the Premier League, with the Birmingham club dealing with a growing injury list after a turbulent summer and disappointing opening to the season.

Arsenal will travel to Villa Park looking to claim an away victory and underline their title ambitions at the start of the campaign. In the build-up to the fixture, the expected line-ups for the Premier League meeting have been assessed.

Aston Villa’s preparations have been affected by a significant number of absences. Joao Gomes has added to the club’s selection problems after being sent off last weekend, while Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo are unavailable because of injury.

The expected Aston Villa line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki

Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen

Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, Lamare Bogarde

Forwards: John McGinn, Nicolas Jackson, Alejandro Garnacho

The proposed selection includes Zion Suzuki in goal, with Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen forming the defensive line. Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia and Lamare Bogarde are expected to operate in midfield, while John McGinn, Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho lead the attack.

Arsenal also have a number of players unavailable for the trip to Birmingham. The club’s medical staff will make a late decision on Bruno Guimaraes’ involvement. However, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba are officially ruled out of the fixture.

The expected Arsenal line-up is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Christopher Tzolis

David Raya is listed to start in goal, with Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori expected to make up the back four. Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly are projected to form the midfield, while Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Christopher Tzolis are named as the attacking trio.

Aston Villa will soon play their second league match of the English season against Arsenal. The match is expected to offer the hosts an opportunity to respond to their difficult start, although they must do so against the reigning champions and while managing a series of fitness and disciplinary issues.

The betting company 1xbet has listed Aston Villa at 6.25 to win, with a draw priced at 4.33 and an Arsenal victory at 1.50.