Villa and Arsenal looking to make a statement

Aston Villa and Arsenal will both be looking to put down early markers in Saturday evening's meeting of the Premier League heavyweights at Villa Park.

Villa, who made a fine start with an opening weekend win at West Ham United, will want to prove they have the quality to challenge the elite on home turf as they did last season, when manager Unai Emery led a remarkable return to the Champions League.

As for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, the sight of Villa will bring back painful memories as well as a reminder that little short of perfection will be required to bridge the gap from second place to title winners in pursuit of Manchester City.

Villa took six points off Arsenal last season, their 2-0 win at Emirates Stadium in mid-April proving to be the turning point in the title race, effectively handing City control at the top of the table as they went on to secure a fourth successive crown by two points.

Arsenal's growing confidence and self-belief that this can finally be their year will increase markedly if they can come away from Villa Park - a formidable environment where Emery’s side also beat Manchester City days before overcoming the Gunners last season - with a win.

As for Villa, if they can overturn Arteta's side once more, it will offer further evidence that last season’s fourth place and break through the Premier League’s glass ceiling may not be a one-off.