Arsenal - Aston Villa Betting Preview: Expect both sides to find the net at the Emirates

The Gunners host the Villains on the opening day of the season, with our tipster backing a Belgian superstar to continue where he left off last season

After securing fourth place on the final day of last season, Arsenal begin another season looking to break their barren run of no trophy since 2005.

Aston Villa are the visitors on Saturday afternoon after a strong end to last season, Paul Lambert’s men survived relegation and finished in 15th position. Despite bringing in a few players, the fact that they have kept hold of Christian Benteke has been their big transfer news this summer.

Aston Villa come into this match after a solid pre-season. Despite a slow start, drawing their first three friendlies and losing away at Luton Town, Lambert’s men turned results around with four wins in a row, scoring an impressive 15 goals in those matches.

They will come into this match against Arsenal without fear, having narrowly lost to their opponents back in February. Paddy Power price them at 15/2 (8.50) to win the match.

Arsenal have also had a mixed pre-season, kicking off their summer with some great results in Asia. Arsene Wenger’s men recorded three victories before returning to London to take part in the Emirates Cup. Once back on home soil, the Gunners struggled, drawing with Napoli and losing to Galatasaray.

With Wenger yet to break the bank with a star signing, once again he will be under pressure from the fans from game week one. Arsenal are heavy favourites with Paddy Power to win this match, the firm pricing them at 2/5 (1.40) to kick off their season with a win. The same firm price the draw at 7/2 (4.50).

Despite being a tad short, the bet of Both teams to score at 4/6 (1.66) is certainly worth backing. Arsenal’s last five friendly matches would have paid out on this bet, and with Villa not struggling to fin the net, this bet cannot be ignored.

For those looking for more value, backing Villa’s star man to net anytime at 2/1 (3.00) is worth investing in. Christian Benteke finished the season as the ‘in-form’ striker, netting eight goals in his final nine league matches. Despite speculation of him leaving the club, the Belgian signed a new deal in the summer and is likely to continue his end of season form this term.