Arsenal vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news

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·30 dicembre 2025

Arsenal vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news

Arsenal welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates this evening in a huge top-of-the-table Premier League clash.

Mikel Arteta’s team remain the leaders in the title race, but both Manchester City and Aston Villa are ready to capitalise on any slips. The Gunners are two points above City, and three ahead of Villa, ahead of meeting the third-placed Villas tonight.

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It’s the second meeting between the teams this month, after Villa edged out Arsenal 2-1 at Villa Park on December 6th. That win was one of a club record 11 in succession the visitors have posted in recent weeks.

Arsenal team news

There were plenty of positives on the team news front for Arsenal at the weekend, notably the return of Gabriel Maghalaes. The Brazilian had not featured since being injured on international duty last month but came off the bench to see out the win over Brighton.

Gabriel’s return is a welcome boost, amid depleted defensive options. Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Jurrien Timber all missed the Brighton clash, before Riccardo Calafiori pulled out in the warm-up. Declan Rice deputised out of position at right-back. Timber is expected to return tonight.

Gabriel Jesus also came off the bench against the Seagulls as the striker stepped up his return after a long-term absence. Kai Havertz is also nearing a return, though no timeframe has been placed on the German.