Aston Villa v Arsenal tips: Hosts backed to avoid defeat in Andy Robson’s 8/1 Bet Builder

The Gunners lost home and away to Villa last term but revenge isn't expected here

Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes

The Premier League action rolls on this weekend and Andy Robson is all set to dive into a cracker at Villa Park on Saturday night as Champions League rivals Aston Villa and Arsenal face off.

With a tight battle on the cards, the Twitter tipster has whipped up a cracker in his Aston Villa v Arsenal betting tips for Saturday’s 5:30pm kick off.

Aston Villa v Arsenal Betting Tips

Aston Villa win or draw
Bukayo Saka to be fouled 2+ times
Kai Havertz to have 1+ shots on target
John McGinn to commit 2+ fouls

Head over to my website for the latest football betting predictions this season. I’ve got a whole host of Premier League predictions, as well as tips from the Championship and betting insights on every major European league. You will also find plenty of tools designed to aid your punting, including my famous Bet Builder Stats tool and Cheat Sheets.

WHEN: Saturday, August 24 – 17:30
WHERE: Villa Park
TV: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League

Aston Villa win or draw

We open our Bet Builder with possibly our boldest selection in terms of price, though backing Villa to avoid defeat on home soil under Unai Emery should never be considered a risky punt.

The Villains famously completed a Premier League double over Arsenal last season as former Gunners boss Unai Emery seemed to do a tactical number on his compatriot Mikel Arteta on both occasions.

Emery has transformed Villa Park into a bit of a fortress since his arrival in the Midlands, with them only losing three times in their last 26 Premier League assignments on home soil.

Villa came out of the traps like a freight train this time last year and won 100% of their first eight Premier League home fixtures, beating Man City, Tottenham and Arsenal along the way.

With last season’s results considered, the Villains look well undercooked in the markets ahead of Saturday’s showdown, so look for them to put an early dent in Arsenal’s title aspirations.

Bukayo Saka to be fouled 2+ times

Bukayo Saka is routinely singled out for special treatment by his Premier League markers and the silky winger was fouled a shin-splintering 2.13 times per 90 minutes in England’s top tier last season.

The 22-year-old collected some early bumps and bruises last weekend, when he was fouled twice in Arsenal’s 2-0 triumph over Wolves, and Saka’s match-winning ability is always likely to put a target on his back.

Indeed, keeping Saka under wraps was a big part of Aston Villa’s blueprint against Arsenal last season and the Villains fouled the England international a notable eight times across two encounters.

Keen to replicate last season’s success against the Londoners, those clad in claret could aim more robust challenges in Saka’s direction, so back the Three Lions starlet to be fouled at least twice again.

 

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Kai Havertz to have 1+ shots on target

Languid attacker Kai Havertz has become a less-maligned and more appreciated figure for the Gunners since the turn of the year and the 25-year-old cut a confident figure in their cosy 2-0 win over Wolves.

Havertz bagged the game’s opener with a bravely-taken header and clocked five attempts at Wanderers’ goal in another impactful display.

The forward registered a modest-looking 0.92 shots on target per 90 minutes across the entire 2023/24 campaign, though his stats at the back end of the season really sparkled in comparison.

With last week’s strike against Wolves included, Havertz has now had at least one shot on target in a massive 16 of his last 17 Premier League appearances, so look for the German international to carry his considerable goal threat to Villa Park.

Havertz had two attempts on target when he last faced Villa in April and he needs to reach just half of that tally for this leg to land.

 

John McGinn to commit 2+ fouls

Expect buckets of hustle and bustle from the energetic Aston Villa captain John McGinn on Saturday evening. The swashbuckling Scot was in typical all-action form in Villa’s 2-1 win over West Ham last weekend as he committed two fouls and drew three of his own.

The 29-year-old, who committed 1.17 fouls per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, is always near the front of the queue to contest any physical exchanges in midfield and h will be eager to make his presence felt against the Gunners.

McGinn was the driving force behind the Villains’ unexpected triumph over Arsenal at Villa Park last year. Harnessing the energy from the home crowd, he scored the game’s decisive goal and gave away three free kicks against the Gunners. The Scot is a very backable option in the 2+ fouls range again ahead of Saturday’s rematch.

Aston Villa v Arsenal Bet Builder Tips

Aston Villa win or draw
Bukayo Saka to be fouled 2+ times
Kai Havertz to have 1+ shots on target
John McGinn to commit 2+ fouls

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