Aston Villa take an 11-game winning run into a meeting with the Premier League leaders as Arsenal bid for revenge
Bookmark popover
Arteta urges Arsenal to be active in the transfer window
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Arsenal host Aston Villa in a meeting of Premier League title challengers as Mikel Arteta’s side bid for revenge and look to snap the 11-game winning run of Unai Emery’s visitors.
Villa’s dramatic 2-1 win at Chelsea on Saturday means they arrive at the Emirates just three points behind the Premier League leaders - having defeated the Gunners just a few weeks ago thanks to a last-gasp Emi Buendia strike at Villa Park.
Arsenal came through a 2-1 win over Brighton to maintain their advantage but Arteta was left concerned as Riccardo Calafiori added to their list of defensive absentees. Now there are rumours that Declan Rice also injured himself against Brighton and may be forced to miss tonight’s clash, adding to the list of concerns. There is at least hope, however, that the returning Gabriel Magalhaes could start after appearing from the bench against the Seagulls.
Under former Arsenal boss Emery, Villa have enjoyed a good record at the Emirates, winning here two season ago before coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 last year.
Follow live updates from Arsenal v Aston Villa, below
Arsenal v Aston Villa live: Latest score and updates from Premier League
Premier League leaders Arsenal host in-form Aston Villa | Kick-off 8:15pm, live on Sky Sports
Villa have won 11 games in a row, including 2-1 win over Arsenal this month
Arsenal are just three points clear of Unai Emery's side in title race
Team news | Rumours that Declan Rice is latest addition to Arsenal injury crisis but Gunners could welcome back Gabriel?
6 minutes ago
What is the Aston Villa team news?
Aston Villa will likely reward Ollie Watkins with a start following his brace at Stamford Bridge, though Emery must come up with alternatives for Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara, who both triggered suspensions after being booked against the Blues. Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Ross Barkley remain out, while Evann Guessand is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted line-up: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
Jamie Braidwood30 December 2025 17:03
6 minutes ago
What is the Arsenal team news?
Mikel Arteta’s defensive injury crisis was exacerbated on the weekend, with Jurrien Timber missing out against Brighton after “landing awkwardly” before Riccardo Calafiori sustained an injury in the warm-up.
Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera have also been absent throughout the festive period, while there are now rumours that Declan Rice – who was forced to cover at right-back last time out – has now also been added to the injury list and will miss tonight’s clash.
However, a return to the starting XI could be imminent for Gabriel after the Brazilian featured off the bench against the Seagulls.
Predicted line-up: Raya; Hincapie, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Jamie Braidwood30 December 2025 17:02
7 minutes ago
When is Arsenal vs Aston Villa?
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 6:30pm. It will also be available to stream on Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
The Premier League meeting between Arsenal and Aston Villa kicks off at 8:15pm on Tuesday 30 December at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Jamie Braidwood30 December 2025 17:01
8 minutes ago
Good evening
Aston Villa have the opportunity to prove their title credentials as they bid to derail Arsenal’s own challenge in a mouthwatering Premier League clash.
Unai Emery’s side, who endured a stuttered start to the 2025/26 campaign, have gone beyond all expectations as they find themselves third in the table going into the new year, sitting seven points above fourth-placed Liverpool after coming from behind to beat Chelsea on Saturday.
Boasting an astonishing 11-game win streak in all competitions, they could go level on points with leaders Arsenal with a win at the Emirates, who have begun to show jitters in unconvincing wins over Brighton and Wolves in the past month.
The Gunners, meanwhile, will be out for revenge against Villa, who nabbed a stoppage-time win in the West Midlands less than four weeks ago in the reverse fixture.
Jamie Braidwood30 December 2025 17:00