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Arsenal will are hoping to extend their Premier League lead but face a daunting task at Aston Villa who have not lost at home since February
Arsenal face a major test of their Premier League title credentials as they travel to Aston Villa in a blockbuster clash on Saturday.
A trip to Villa Park has become of the most daunting assignments, with Unai Emery's side beating Manchester City on Wednesday night to extend their extraordinary winning run on home soil to 14 League matches.
Arsenal were the last away side to beat Villa, back in February, and another positive result this weekend would be a significant statement as they look to stay the course in the title race this season.
The Gunners sit two points clear at the top of the table, after Declan Rice's 97th-minute winner against Luton, but Villa will move to within a point of Mikel Arteta's side if they make it 15 wins on the bounce. Should they do so, Villa fans may start dreaming of a remarkable title challenge of their own.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Aston Villa vs Arsenal is scheduled to kick off 8:30pm Kenyan time on Saturday December 9, 2023.
The match will take place at Villa Park.
Where to watch Aston Villa vs Arsenal
The game will be televised live on SuperSport TV.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal team news
Emery has a key decision to make in forward areas for Aston Villa, with Leon Bailey scoring in the last two matches having got the nod to start over Moussa Diaby.
It remains to be seen whether the Villa boss persists with Ezri Konsa at right-back, with Matty Cash an obvious option to come in should Konsa be shifted back to the centre of defence.
Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings remain out, but Villa did not appear to pick up any new injury problems against Man City.
Arsenal will be without Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is set to miss up to six weeks with a calf injury. Ben White can be expected to continue at right-back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko could return at left-back having been on the bench as Jakub Kiwior started against Luton.
There are otherwise not believed to be any fresh injury concerns for the Gunners, with Thomas Partey not expected back before Christmas and Jurrien Timber among the long-term absentees. Kai Havertz will hope to keep his place in midfield, having scored three goals in his last four matches.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Bailey, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn; Tielemans; Watkins
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