The Gunners travel to Villa Park this weekend to take on Unai Emery ’s side. Arsenal will certainly be aiming for victory having opened their campaign with a 2-0 success over Wolves.
But Shearer does not see everything going the Gunners’ way against Villa. Having seen them fall to defeat to Emery’s side in last season’s Premier League title run-in, the former Newcastle forward can see the same happening this time around.
He said: “This is a great game to look forward to because I think Arsenal’s result against Aston Villa late last season is what cost them the title in the end, which makes this a fascinating game.
Speaking to Metro, he added: “It’s a really tough game for Arsenal this, going to Aston Villa, who will be fresh and eager to put a dent in Arsenal’s title challenge once again. I think Aston Villa can do it too, it wouldn’t surprise me if it was a scoreless draw, but I’ll put my neck on the line and predict a home win for Aston Villa.”
Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson has also given his prediction ahead of Saturday evening’s clash. Like Shearer, he believes that it will be a tricky game for the Gunners but can see them just about getting over the line.
As quoted by SportsKeeda, he said: “This is a massive game. Arsenal got done for the double by Aston Villa last season and that cost them the title. If Arsenal lose and Manchester City win this weekend, the Gunners could suffer in the title race. Mikel Arteta 's men also face Tottenham Hotspur and City in September, so it's not an easy run-in from here.
Arsenal do battle with Aston Villa on Saturday evening
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“If things don't go their way, Arsenal could even be out of the title race by October! I'm not even exaggerating, the next four fixtures starting with Villa on Saturday are all tough for them. If you lose two of them, it's over.
“They've been linked with a move to sign Mikel Merino and I can understand why. Arteta probably looked at the team and thought, 'I can't really play Partey every week'. Arsenal will be playing a lot of matches this season.
“And with certain players coming on the back of Euro 2024 and Copa America campaigns, it could catch up to them. I've liked their transfer business,
they've recruited well. I'm going to go for an Arsenal win in this one, but I do think Villa can score. Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal.”
Following their clash with Aston Villa, the Gunners are back in action next weekend as they take on Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
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