It's time to predict Mikel Arteta's Arsenal starting XI for the big Premier League clash against Aston Villa
Ryan Taylor
16:59, 29 Dec 2025Updated 16:24, 30 Dec 2025
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta(Image: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock)
Arsenal go toe-to-toe with Aston Villa tonight at the Emirates Stadium as they bid to fight off their fellow title contenders.
Unai Emery's Villains have now won 11 matches on the spin in all competitions after rallying back to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
The Gunners are hoping to have defenders Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori fit for the contest after the pair both missed last weekend's narrow victory over Brighton.
Both players featured in the recent 2-1 defeat at Villa Park but because Arteta spoke to the media on Saturday to preview the matchup, we are in the dark as to whether either will be available.
Given Timber missed Brighton, there is hope it's precautionary given Arteta knew he had this big match versus Villa on the horizon.
The Dutchman is a warrior and could therefore return at right-back while at centre-back there's much debate as to who will partner William Saliba.
Gabriel Magalhaes came off the bench against Brighton but Arteta may feel it's too soon to start the Brazilian given he's still rebuilding fitness.
Therefore, Piero Hincapie could partner Saliba with Myles Lewis-Skelly filling in at left-back again, providing Calafiori is still absent.
The midfield initially looked easier to select but Declan Rice is battling a knee issue and could too miss the game.
Should that be the case, Mikel Merino could partner Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard in the centre of the park.
Eberechi Eze was an unused sub against Brighton but he also didn't have much joy on the wing in the defeat at Villa earlier this month.
Gabriel Magalhaes
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Gabriel Magalhaes could start at the back for Arsenal vs Aston Villa(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The England international will likely feature from the bench while in attack, there is plenty to deliberate.
Bukayo Saka is a shoo-in on the right while Leandro Trossard should keep his place on the left.
Perhaps it's also time Viktor Gyokeres dropped to the bench, the Swede is out of form and Mikel Merino has served up so many key moments and goals for Arsenal.
Arteta definitely has a headache but it's likely he will use Gyokeres' running power and ability to stretch opposition defences to create space and tire Villa's backline.
The visitors are without suspended duo Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara and you can't help but wonder what impact that might have on Emery's team.
For that reason, there is a chance Arteta's subs, better known as his 'finishers' could hold the key to victory.
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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Aston Villa : Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.
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