Gameweek 2 closes with Aston Villa vs Arsenal at Villa Park on Monday 31 August 2026 (20:00 BST). Arsenal beat Coventry 3–0 in GW1 with Gyökeres and Saka among the goals; Villa opened at Brighton and now host the defending champions under the lights.
Aston Villa: how they've looked
Unai Emery's Villa feature Watkins, Garnacho and McGinn. Home Monday night atmosphere at Villa Park — Watkins has historical returns against top-six opposition.
Aston Villa Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-3-3
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Arsenal: how they've looked
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal arrive with GW1 momentum: Gyökeres as No.9, Eze in the ten, Saka and Ødegaard pulling strings. Saliba may return; Mosquera partnered Gabriel in GW1.
The tactical picture
Arsenal's press and wide combinations vs Villa's transitions through Garnacho and Watkins — premium assets on both sides for the final FPL deadline decisions of GW2.
Head-to-head history
Arsenal won both league meetings in 2025/26; Villa Park has produced tight, high-quality games in recent seasons.
Picks worth knowing
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, FWD): pens and creativity on Monday night.
- Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal, FWD): GW1 goal scorer; focal striker.
- Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa, FWD): home threat vs top defence.
- Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal, MID): captain differential in the late slot.
- Predictor: Arsenal 2–1 Aston Villa.
Final call
Arsenal's GW1 fluency carries to Villa Park. Prediction: Aston Villa 1–2 Arsenal.