Arsenal's Premier League Credentials Face Aston Villa Test, Manchester United Travel To Brighton

Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations face an early test away at bogey team Aston Villa on Saturday, while Manchester United's defence are set for a stiff examination at Brighton.After a chaotic summer at Stamford Bridge and an opening defeat to Manchester City, Chelsea are looking to steady the ship and give manager Enzo Maresca his first Premier League win at Wolves. Ahead of the Matchdat 2, let's take a look at some of the key games of this weekend's action.

Arsenal seek Villa revenge

Arsenal's two defeats to Villa last season cost them the chance of a first league title in 20 years.

The Gunners are gearing up to again try to dethrone Manchester City but a trip to Villa Park begins a tough run of fixtures so early in the season.

Arsenal will also travel to north London rivals Tottenham and City in their opening five games.

Mikel Arteta's men got off to a winning start at home to Wolves as Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz showed no sign of fatigue from their exertions at Euro 2024.

Arsenal need more of the same against a Villa side that also got off to an encouraging start by winning 2-1 away at West Ham.

Villa have strengthened their squad in preparation for their first Champions League campaign since the competition was the European Cup back in 1982/83.

Doubts remain over Villa's ability to maintain a fight for the Premier League top four alongside their European commitments, but with just one game a week early in the season they are well capable of dealing an early blow to Arsenal in the title race.

Two sides to Man Utd start

Manchester United's 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening night of the season could be read one of two ways.

After finishing eighth in a torrid campaign last season, Erik ten Hag's men badly