Aston Villa have won three of their last five meetings with Arsenal, despite only claiming victory from six of their previous 46 encounters since 1998.
The Villans are unbeaten in two away games against the Gunners, last enjoying a longer sequence in 2008.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa preview
Two of the Premier League's top three go head-to-head in a huge clash on Tuesday night. On the penultimate day of 2025, it is Arsenal who lead the way, despite recent underwhelming performances. On Saturday, Martin Ødegaard's long-range the strike followed by an own goal seemingly had the Gunners cruising against Brighton, only for the Seagulls to halve the deficit, with David Raya then required to make a jaw-dropping save to preserve the points.
That is three successive Premier League wins for Mikel Arteta's team, all by a single goal, following nervy victories against Wolves and Everton. Overall, the Gunners have lost just one of their last 24 matches across all competitions, but this did come at Villa Park a mere 24 days ago, so the general feeling is that performance levels are going to need to improve. Well, with this huge clash followed by Saturday's trip to Bournemouth and then a meeting with champions Liverpool on Thursday, their title credentials will certainly be put to the test over the next week or so.
While Gooners are a bit nervy, Aston Villa supporters are on cloud nine right now, given that their side are the form team in the country, possibly anywhere in the world. At the weekend, the Claret and Blue Army were frankly dismal in the first half at Stamford Bridge, lucky to be only 1-0 down at the break. However, because this is just how thing are going for them right now, the Villans fought back to beat Chelsea 2-1, thanks to a brace from substitute Ollie Watkins, the latter a towering header from a corner coming just six minutes from time.
This means that Unai Emery's team have now won 11 in a row across all competitions, claiming eight consecutive Premier League victories, winning 12 of their last 13 in the league overall. So, despite failing to win any of their first five way back when, the Claret and Blue Army are up in third, just three points adrift their hosts and the leaders, looking to catch them with a victory on Tuesday night. Thus, victory for Villa in North London, as they managed two seasons ago, would well and truly have them in the title race going into 2026.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 206.
- Arsenal Wins: 88. Draws: 46. Aston Villa Wins: 72.
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta is very short of defenders. Cristhian Mosquera and Benjamin White are sidelined, Jurriën Timber missed the weekend win due to a knock while Riccardo Calafiori withdrew prior to the warm-up, forcing Declan Rice to fill-in at right-back against Brighton.
In better news, Gabriel came off the bench at the weekend, his first appearance since 8 November, so could he be thrown in from the start this time?
Further forward, Arteta has a plethora of options. Eberechi Eze has not started since being hooked at half time at Villa Park while, following another divisive display, could Viktor Gyökeres be left on the bench, now that Gabriel Jesus is back? Oddly, since a sublime display in Brugge, scoring twice, Noni Madueke has not seen a single minute of Premier League action.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-3-3): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Trossard, Gyökeres.
Arsenal player to watch vs Aston Villa
Bukayo Saka scored at Villa Park in both 2022 and 2023, but has never netted against the Villans in North London, so can he change that fact?
Aston Villa team news
In a major blow for Unai Emery, both Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are suspended, after being shown their fifth yellow cards of the campaign at Stamford Bridge. Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are also injured, while Evann Guessand is at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Given the absentees, Lamare Bogarde is likely to deputise at right-back, with Victor Lindelöf keeping his place in the middle, while Emi Buendía, scorer of a stoppage time winner in the reverse fixture, could get the nod in midfield.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Arsenal: (4-3-3): Martínez; Bogarde, Konsa, Lindelöf, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans, McGinn; Buendía, Rogers, Watkins.
Aston Villa player to watch vs Arsenal
Ollie Watkins, a self-confessed Arsenal fan, has scored six times against the Gunners, so can he repeat this trick?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa prediction
This match is not too be missed, as it very much could go either-way, but we are backing Arsenal for a narrow but potentially crucial victory in North London on Tuesday: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa in the Premier League on TV channel?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Premier League
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa in the Premier League on live streaming?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Peacock
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Arsenal vs Aston Villa in the Premier League?
Arsenal vs Aston Villa takes place on Tuesday 30 December 2025, with kick off at 20:15 (GMT), 15:15 (ET) & 12:15 (PT).