Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Preview, Team News, Time and Where to Watch

Arsenal have the opportunity to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League table as they kick off this weekend's fixtures with a challenging trip to high-flying Aston Villa on Saturday.

Unai Emery's Villa side are in formidable form, having collected more points in their last six league matches than any team except the Gunners.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

After a slow start to the 2025-26 season, Villa have surged up the table, with their thrilling 4-3 midweek victory over Brighton & Hove Albion marking their sixth consecutive win across all competitions and lifting them to third place.

Now just six points behind league-leaders Arsenal, the Villans are poised to make a statement. The Gunners, meanwhile, responded to dropping points at Stamford Bridge by securing a comfortable 2-0 win against Brentford during the week.

However, history suggests this will be no easy task for Mikel Arteta's men. Arsenal have won only one of their last four encounters with Emery's Villa, a fixture that arguably derailed their title ambitions in the 2023-24 season.

With Manchester City watching closely, another strong performance from the West Midlands club could see them leap into second place with a fifth straight league victory. Arsenal, for their part, remain unbeaten since a narrow 1-0 loss at Anfield in August.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was a notable absentee against Brighton due to a back injury, with Marco Bizot stepping in. The Argentine is in a race against time to face his former club, but there is optimism he will be fit to start at Villa Park. The hosts will be without the injured Tyrone Mings, while Ross Barkley is also a doubt.

Emery is expected to recall Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans to the starting lineup after rotating his squad midweek. Striker Ollie Watkins, who has a strong scoring record against Arsenal, will be full of confidence after ending his recent goal drought in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has remained tight-lipped about his team's injury situation. The main concern surrounds Declan Rice, who was substituted late against Brentford with a calf problem and is a doubt for the match. However, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are both expected to be available for selection again.

Arteta has indicated that Friday's final training session will be crucial in determining the availability of all three players. With Cristhian Mosquera sidelined by an ankle injury and Gabriel also out, Saliba's return is particularly vital. His absence would likely see Jurrien Timber partner Piero Hincapié in central defence. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is not expected to feature again until the new year.

The match will kick off at 3.30pm East African time.

Arsenal Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Merino, Eze.

Aston Villa Predicted XI: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Malen, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.