Aston Villa vs Arsenal Preview: A clash between the top 3 in the Premier League

Match context

At 7:30 PM on December 6th, 2025, Villa Park will be the venue for a highly anticipated clash between Aston Villa and Arsenal. This is not just an ordinary match, but one that will be decisive in the race at the top of the Premier League table, as league leaders Arsenal will be playing away against third-placed Aston Villa.

Current standings

Prior to this round of matches, Arsenal were leading with 33 points, demonstrating consistent and effective form. Meanwhile, Aston Villa were close behind in third place with 27 points. A home win would significantly narrow the gap between Aston Villa and their rivals, while Arsenal needed three points to solidify their top spot.

Analysis of recent form

Arsenal: Firmly at the top

Arsenal are enjoying an impressive run of form in the Premier League. In their last five matches, they are unbeaten with three wins and two draws. Since the start of the season, Arsenal have won 10, drawn 3, and lost only one game. The team's strength lies in the balance between attack and defense. They have scored 27 goals (an average of 1.9 goals per game) and conceded only 7 (an average of 0.5 goals per game), boasting the most solid defense in the league.

Aston Villa: The foundation of Villa Park

Aston Villa are also in excellent form, having won 4 of their last 5 Premier League matches. In total, they have 8 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses after 14 rounds. Notably, their home ground, Villa Park, is a real fortress, with 5 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 loss there. The home team's attack is also formidable, having scored 20 goals.

History of confrontations

The head-to-head record in the last five meetings between the two teams is very balanced. Each team has secured two wins, and the remaining match ended in a draw. This indicates a close contest and promises a dramatic and unpredictable match.

• January 19, 2025: Arsenal 2 - 2 Aston Villa
• August 24, 2024: Aston Villa 0 - 2 Arsenal
• April 14, 2024: Arsenal 0 - 2 Aston Villa
• December 10, 2023: Aston Villa 1 - 0 Arsenal
• February 18, 2023: Aston Villa 2 - 4 Arsenal

Force information

Both teams are facing personnel concerns ahead of this crucial match.

Aston Villa

The home team will be without R. Barkley (knee injury) and T. Mings (hamstring injury). Goalkeeper E. Martinez's availability remains uncertain due to a back injury.

Arsenal

Arsenal suffered further setbacks with Gabriel (muscle injury) and K. Havertz (knee injury) confirmed absent. In addition, a number of key players including C. Mosquera (ankle), D. Rice (calf), W. Saliba and L. Trossard are all doubtful to play.

Predict the result

Despite playing away from home and facing numerous injuries, Arsenal are still considered the favorites. Analysis shows that Arsenal's chances of winning and a draw are evenly matched at 45%. Meanwhile, Aston Villa's chances of securing three points at home are only 10%. Based on these statistics, a draw or a win for the visiting team, Arsenal, is the most likely scenario.

Team lineup updated at 18:53 on 06/12/2025

Official lineup

Aston Villa

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachUnai Emery Etxegoien

Starting lineup:

• 23. Emiliano Martínez (G)
• 2. Matty Cash (D)
• 4. Ezri Konsa (D)
• 14. Pau Torres (D)
• 22. Ian Maatsen (D)
• 44. Boubacar Kamara (M)
• 24. Amadou Onana (M)
• 7. John McGinn (M)
• 8. Youri Tielemans (M)
• 27. Morgan Rogers (M)
• 11. Ollie Watkins (F)

Substitutes:

• 40. Marco Bizot
• 3. Victor Lindelöf
• 12. Lucas Digne
• 16. Andrés García
• 26. Lamare Bogarde
• 10. Emiliano Buendía
• 19. Jadon Sancho
• 53. George Hemmings
• 17. Donyell Malen

Arsenal

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachMikel Arteta Amatriain

Starting lineup:

• 1. David Raya (G)
• 4. Ben White (D)
• 12. Jurriën Timber (D)
• 5. Piero Hincapié (D)
• 33. Riccardo Calafiori (D)
• 8. Martin Ødegaard (M)
• 36. Martín Zubimendi (M)
• 41. Declan Rice (M)
• 7. Bukayo Saka (F)
• 23. Mikel Merino (F)
• 10. Eberechi Eze (F)

Substitutes:

• 13. Kepa Arrizabalaga
• 49. Myles Lewis-Skelly
• 89. Marli Salmon
• 16. Christian Nørgaard
• 22. Ethan Nwaneri
• 20. Noni Madueke
• 14. Viktor Gyökeres
• 19. Leandro Trossard
• 11. Gabriel Martinelli