It has been a perfect start to the season for Mikel Arteta, with Arsenal winning their first four league matches.
The Gunners are once again favourites for the visit of Aston Villa. The Midlands club have lost three of their first four matches.
Arsenal did the double over Villa in 2021-22, including a 3-1 win in this fixture.
Winner: Arsenal
There is no way to look beyond a home win here. Arsenal have exhibited quality and resilience in equal measure through four matches, turning a favourable schedule into a string of wins.
It’s fair to be sceptical of the Gunners until they face a fellow top-six side, but the evidence so far this season shows they can beat the teams they are meant to.
Villa fall firmly into that category following their disappointing start to 2022-23.
First Goalscorer: Gabriel Jesus
Of players to start four or more matches this season, only six have recorded more expected goals per 90 than Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian has turned provider on occasion, clocking three assists, but he is still getting plenty of chances.
Villa’s defence hasn’t exactly inspired confidence this season, with seven goals conceded through four matches. The back line has been unsettled by injuries, and Jesus’ smart movement can take advantage of any miscommunication.
This is a decent price on the former Manchester City striker to open the scoring on Wednesday night.
Total Cards: Over 3.5
Aston Villa are sixth in total cards in 2022-23. There were six cards when the teams met at Villa Park last season and seven in the clash at the Emirates. Fouls are plentiful from both sides, with Villa sitting second in fouls per game and Arsenal in 10th despite both teams averaging well over 50 per cent possession.
Robert Jones, selected as the lead official for this fixture, was reluctant to show cards in 2021-22, but he doesn’t need to drastically exceed his 2.75 yellows per game average for this over to hit.
All odds are subject to change