The first booking of the day goes to Jacob Ramsey for a bit of a wild lunge on Emile Smith Rowe.

No complaints from the Villa youngster.

Alan Hutton
Former Scotland defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

[Cedric Soares] has done really well, but he's gone under the radar because of Tomiyasu. When you are going for the European spots and trying to challenge, you need competition for places. He knows the style of play, he knows what Arteta wants. He's a good deputy for Tomiyasu.

Here come Arsenal again.

They spread it patiently from right to left and back again in search of an opening. Thomas Partey eventually tries to pick out the run of Bukayo Saka but Emiliano Martinez reads the danger well.

So close to an opener! Bukayo Saka's teasing cross is turned towards his own net by Ezri Konsa, but Emiliano Martinez reacts brilliantly to turn the ball behind for a corner, which comes to nothing.

Let-off for the hosts.

Applause rings around Villa Park in tribute to former Burnley and Aston Villa striker Andy Lochhead, who recently passed away aged 81.

Martin Odegaard tees up Thomas Partey on the edge of the Villa box, but the midfielder's shot is a tame one. Easy save for Emiliano Martinez.

John McGinn whips in a dangerous-looking ball which is turned behind for a corner by Kieran Tierney.

Arsenal clear the danger and launch a counter-attack of their own...

Cedric Soares barges into Ashley Young on the corner of the Arsenal penalty area and Villa have a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Michael Brown
Former Manchester City midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

It has been a really good start from Arsenal. Saka is on the right; Ashley Young is going to have his work cut out. John McGinn is playing on that side as well. Steven Gerrard stressed [Young] will need some help. Villa haven't touched the ball so far.

Bukayo Saka tries to get on the end of another Emile Smith Rowe pass but Tyrone Mings does well to stop the Arsenal man in his tracks.

Arsenal appear to be getting into their stride in these early stages. Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard are linking up well in the middle of the park.

Thomas Partey's raking pass releases Bukayo Saka down the right. The England international cuts it back to Martin Odegaard, who sets up Emile Smith Rowe on the edge of the box.

The 21-year-old pulls the trigger but can't keep his shot down.

Arsenal have won their last four away games in the league, scoring 13 goals in the process.

The visitors are having most of the ball in the early stages.

Off we go then!

Here's a quick reminder of the teams before we get under way.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

The two teams emerge into glorious sunshine at Villa Park.

Kick-off is just a few moments away.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have won their last four Premier League away games, having claimed just two victories in their first eight on the road this season.

The Gunners have not won five consecutive away league fixtures since May 2015.

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to BT Sport: "We’re trying to maintain a high performance, like we had the other day [against Liverpool].

"How we attacked the box and defended the box made a difference in the last game. Otherwise we need to keep the momentum going and confidence going.

"Aaron Ramsdale had a muscle injury and will be out for a few weeks. Gabriel Martinelli’s been sick the last few days, so he’s out of the squad unfortunately."

Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard, speaking to BT Sport: "You’re always striving for consistency. West Ham was a big challenge for us. The performance was close, but not good enough.

"It’s important to get back to clean sheets. We’re going to have to get support to Ashley [Young] in certain situations. Bukayo Saka’s obviously got great pace, but they’ve got great players all over the pitch."