Aston Villa vs Arsenal preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

The host are currently aiming for a top-four position, while the visitors seek to maintain their lead at the top of the table as they continue their chase for the EPL title.

Aston Villa head into this tie in phenomenal home form, having won five consecutive Premier League matches at Villa Park.

Their last league outing was an extraordinary 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, with the result taking them to fourth on the league table.

They will look to extend their run with a victory to confirm their serious challenge for the Champions League spots.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last 18 games across all competition and have won three of their last five games.

They secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford in their last match, a win that re-established their five-point lead at the top of the league.

Mikel Arteta’s men will be eager to secure a victory to temporarily extend their lead to eight points in the standings.

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Across the last five league meetings, Arsenal have won twice, while Aston Villa have also claimed two victories, with just one draw separating them.

The last two fixtures at the Emirates ended in a 2-2 draw and a 2-0 win for Arsenal, respectively, with the Gunners looking confident heading into the game.

Aston Villa remain without Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings, two players whose absence continues to limit Unai Emery’s rotation options.

Barkley’s creativity and goal threat from midfield have been missed, while Mings’ long-term injury leaves Villa short of an experienced defensive leader, placing extra responsibility on the remaining centre-backs.

Meanwhile, Arsenal also come into the match with growing concerns. William Saliba and Leandro Trossard both missed the Brentford game with minor knocks, and while neither issue is considered serious, their availability will depend on late assessments.

Losing Saliba would be particularly significant, given his vital presence at the heart of Arsenal’s defence. Also, Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera were both forced off on Wednesday, further adding to Mikel Arteta’s worries.

Rice is central to Arsenal’s midfield structure, and any absence would require a major tactical reshuffle. Mosquera’s withdrawal adds to defensive issues at a time when squad depth is already being tested.

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Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Onana; Guessand, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

This match is incredibly difficult to predict due to the form of both teams. While Arsenal have the attacking talent, Villa’s momentum and home support should help them in this game.

However, Arsenal’s solidity despite not having their best defenders available should see them nick a win at Villa Park just like last season.