Tough pickings in Matchweek 2, for Robert Marawa

• Pick of the week: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
• Kickoff: 18:30
• Venue: Villa Park
• Live on Showmax Premier League

“I’ve had a tough time selecting my game of choice for Matchweek 2. My initial thought was to talk about the Brighton and Hove Albion game against Manchester United, for obvious reasons. Brighton got those three goals last weekend; they got the three points and kept a clean sheet and topped the table after Matchweek 1, so that would have been the obvious choice. Manchester United also took care of business by winning their opening game, and their debutant Joshua Zirkzee scored and got them all three points, so it’s set up to be a tasty affair.”

“But after much thought, it’s the Aston Villa vs Arsenal game that provides the spark for me. A little bit of history. Aston Villa won away from home against West Ham last weekend. They scored an early goal thanks to Onana. They went in at half time level at 1-1 and then they bounced back from the game in the last 10 minutes thanks to Villa youngster Duran, who has been touted to be heading in the opposite direction to Arsenal.”

“Arsenal played at home, won 2-0, and kept a clean sheet. The goals were scored by Havertz and Saka and it was a clinical performance from the Gunners. What stands out from me for this fixture is the history of this fixture that gives it that oomph. You look back at the 2022/23 season. Arsenal were five points behind Man City and chasing the title. They failed to win it. Last season they were a mere two points behind, and they still couldn’t win the league. And they desperately want to end that 20-year league draught that has been plaguing them.”

“The man that replaced Arsene Wenger once upon a time is now Villa’s manager. Unai Emery was hastily sacked by Arsenal. Now he will be on the opposition bench this weekend knowing very well that last season Villa were the only team to do the league double over Arsenal. They broke Arsenal’s unbeaten streak last season, so for all these reasons, this game serves as the ultimate spectacle for the weekend and stands out as my pick of Matchweek 2. It is also the first time this season that two teams who finished in the top four last season are facing off against one another. So, we should be in for a treat.”

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