Arsenal host Aston Villa tonight at the Emirates in a clash which could have a big impact on this season’s enthralling Premier League title race.
The Gunners, unbeaten at home in the top-flight this term, head into Gameweek 19 top of the table, two points clear of Manchester City.
But Villa have emerged as surprise title challengers after a stunning run of results, winning 11 consecutive matches across all competitions.
Unai Emery’s side, who beat Arsenal at Villa Park earlier this month, are currently sat third and are just three points behind Mikel Arteta’s men.
But which side will come out on top tonight in north London? Stay tuned to find out as two of the best teams in England on current form battle it out.
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December 30, 2025 7:06 pm
Villa team news confirmed
Liam Grace
Aston Villa FC v BSC Young Boys - UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
(Picture: Getty)
Aston Villa XI to face Arsenal: Martinez, Bogarde, Konsa, Lindelof, Digne, Onana, Tielemans, Sancho, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins.
Subs: Bizot, Wright, Maatsen, Garcia, Routh, Hemmings, McGinn, Malen, Jimoh-Aloba.
December 30, 2025 7:02 pm
Arsenal team news confirmed
Liam Grace
Arsenal v Aston Villa - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
Arsenal XI to face Aston Villa: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Merino, Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Subs: Kepa, White, Jesus, Eze, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Havertz, Lewis-Skelly.
December 30, 2025 7:00 pm
Emery shuts down Arsenal return theory
Liam Grace
Aston Villa v Manchester City - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
Unai Emery has insisted he feels no emotion on his Emirates return as he bids to shatter another Arsenal title dream.
Asked if he felt emotional returning to Arsenal, the Villa boss said: ‘No because after 20 years I have coached in different clubs in Spain, England, even Russia and Paris.
‘When I am coming back to play the teams I coached before, for me, it is one match more. It is not about anything else. I want to win because my responsibility and all energy is to do my best work for our fans.’
December 30, 2025 6:45 pm
Arteta: It will be a really tough match
Liam Grace
Arsenal FC v FC Bayern München - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
(Picture: Getty)
‘Against Villa we have a really tough match,’ Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.
‘We know them, what they’re doing and [it is] a beautiful game as well to prepare and play.
‘We’ll watch [the 2-1 defeat to Villa on December 6] back, I have a few ideas and things that we have to do better, and it was quite cruel as well the way we lost it, but yeah, we learned from it.’
December 30, 2025 4:51 pm
Rice set to miss game vs Aston Villa
Liam Grace
Everton v Arsenal - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
Declan Rice is expected to miss Arsenal’s match against Aston Villa, according to The Athletic.
The English midfielder suffered a knee injury in the 2-1 win over Brighton last time out.
It is understood to be a short-term absence to avoid the risk of aggravating the issue further.
December 30, 2025 4:47 pm
Is Arsenal vs Villa on TV?
Liam Grace
FBL-ENG-PR-ASTON VILLA-MAN UTD
(Picture: Getty)
Yes! Tonight’s match is indeed on TV in the UK.
You can watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
December 30, 2025 4:44 pm
Arsenal vs Villa kick-off time
Liam Grace
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
Arsenal vs Aston Villa kicks off at 8.15pm tonight.
There’s plenty of build-up to come before that, though…
December 30, 2025 4:39 pm
Liam Grace
Arsenal v Aston Villa - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
Good evening and welcome to our live blog as Arsenal lock horns with Aston Villa at the Emirates tonight.
The Gunners are looking for revenge after losing 2-1 to Unai Emery’s side at Villa Park earlier this month following a dramatic late goal.
We’ll bring you the official team news as soon as it lands!
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