Preview: Arsenal vs. Aston Villa

The level of expectation at the Emirates is high this season, with fans expecting Arsenal to spend big money in the summer transfer window in order to launch a challenge on the Premier League title.

Manager Arsene Wenger, who led his team to fourth place by one point last season, has yet to bring a high-profile player into the club, despite being heavily linked with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo.

While the Gunners will head into their opening clash against Aston Villa this weekend without a new marquee signing, they could also be without Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and Theo Walcott, who are all doubts for the match.

For Villa, manager Paul Lambert has been boosted by striker Christian Benteke's decision to stay put at the club and sign a contract extension, so the Belgium international is expected to start at the Emirates.

New signings Jores Okore, Antonio Luna and Aleksandar Tonev could all be thrown into Lambert's side, who narrowly escaped relegation to the Championship last season.

Possible lineups

Arsenal: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Walcott, Ramsey, Cazorla, Wilshere, Podolski; Giroud

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna; Tonev, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor; Weimann, Benteke

Sports Mole says: 2-1