We got AI to predict Arsenal vs Aston Villa score after perfect Newcastle guess

Like it or loathe it, we live in a world where AI is creeping into every corner of society.

Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction.

Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict Premier League football results. So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Aston Villa take on Arsenal in the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, looking to make it three wins on the bounce.

Earlier in the week our friends at Newcastle World did the same thing, asking Grok to forecast the outcome of Newcastle’s home clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Rather remarkably, it got the exact scoreline of 3-0 correct, even predicting that Alexander Isak would score a brace and Anthony Gordon would score the final goal. Lottery numbers please, Mr AI?

Let’s see if it can get Villa’s result spot on too.

AI predicts Arsenal vs Aston Villa

Look away Villans, it appears Grok isn’t backing a win for Unai Emery’s side this weekend. Home advantage is so often a factor in football and the AI tool reckons that’ll make the difference on Saturday, especially with the Gunners’ record against Villa at the Emirates.

It said: “Arsenal have been in strong form, particularly at home, with a recent victory against Tottenham in the North London derby, showing their ability to clinch crucial wins. They've been undefeated in their last ten Premier League games, winning six of those, which indicates they are in good shape to take on Villa at home.

“Arsenal also has a favourable record against Aston Villa, especially at home. They've won several recent matches against Villa, including a 2-1 victory in their last meeting. This historical context supports the prediction of an Arsenal win.”

Not only do Mikel Arteta’s men have the boost of playing on home soil, but they’re also in a favourable position in the table. Grok has taken that into account, suggesting winning at the Emirates may prove too tricky a task for Villa.

It added: “Arsenal are positioned higher in the league table, sitting in second place, while Aston Villa are in seventh. This gap in league standings often correlates with performance differences in head-to-head matches, particularly when the higher-ranked team is playing at home.

“Villa have also not been as strong on the road this season, with their scoring rate significantly lower away from home compared to their performance at Villa Park. This might give Arsenal an edge in this match.”

AI final prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa.

So, then, Grok thinks the Gunners will record a narrow 2-1 win but who will be the goalscorers? “Kai Havertz has shown versatility in his role, often popping up in crucial moments. His recent form suggests he could be on the scoresheet,” Grok suggested.

“With Saka out, Trossard might get more minutes on the wing or even centrally. He has shown he can be effective with good finishing and an eye for cutting inside from the flanks.

“Ollie Watkins remains Villa's primary goal threat. His pace and finishing make him a constant danger, even against strong defences.”

AI prediction for goalscorers: Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Ollie Watkins.