Arsenal have won 13 of their last 21 visits to Villa Park, albeit Aston Villa have won three of the last six, having not defeated the Gunners on home turf since 1998 beforehand.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal preview
The biggest game of the Premier League weekend is up first, as two of the top three go head-to-head in Birmingham, so who will claim three precious points in the Midlands?
Victory for Arsenal would see them move eight points clear at the top, currently unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions. On Wednesday night, the Gunners saw off Brentford 2-0 at home, with Mikel Merino break the deadlock early, before Bukayo Saka came off the bench to make the points secure towards the end. This means Mikel Arteta's team are now unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches, winning eight of them, enjoying a somewhat healthy cushion at the top.
Nevertheless, with Manchester City breathing down their necks, every match feels must win. Well, Arsenal have failed to win either of their last two away games, held to draws at the Stadium of Light and then Stamford Bridge, despite the fact that Chelsea were reduced to ten men in the first half last Sunday. So, this time, can Arteta's team claim a priceless victory in the Midlands on Saturday?
Aston Villa though are resurgent, currently third in the table, and they would move just three points behind the leaders if they're able to win this one. Since failing to win any of their first five matches this season, Unai Emery's team have won eight of their last nine, including each of the last four, their sole defeat since August coming against Liverpool at Anfield.
In mid-week, the Claret and Blue Army fought back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton 4-3 in Sussex, with Ollie Watkins bagging a brace, before goals from Amadou Onana and then Donyell Malen secured victory. At home meantime, the Villans' record is imperious, winning each of their last five home league matches, as well as eight on the spin across all competitions. In fact, since March 2024, Emery's team have lost only two of 31 Premier League home games, beaten only by Crystal Palace in August and Arsenal themselves right at the start of last season. So, can Aston Villa significantly dent the Gunners' title hopes, and perhaps propel themselves into contention with a victory?
Aston Villa vs Arsenal head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 205.
- Aston Villa Wins: 71. Draws: 46. Arsenal Wins: 88.
Aston Villa team news
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martínez was due to start at Brighton on Wednesday, but withdrew at the 11th hour due to a back injury suffered in the warm-up. Marco Bizot is a more than capable deputy, but the Argentine will be desperate to feature against his old club.
Elsewhere, Pau Torres will continue in defence, with Tyrone Mings sidelined, while Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendía are likely to return to the XI, having been rested in mid-week. Donyell Malen's goal off the bench in Sussex may not be enough to earn him a start.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Arsenal: (4-3-3): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn; Buendía, Rogers, Watkins.
Aston Villa player to watch vs Arsenal
Ollie Watkins bagged a brace on Wednesday, having only scored once in 19 appearances across all competitions all season beforehand. The boyhood Arsenal fan has previously netted six times against them, only on target against Brighton and Fulham with a greater frequency, so will his upturn in form continue?
Arsenal team news
For Mikel Arteta, just when he's getting injured players back, others are ruled out. Cristhian Mosquera suffered a "complicated" knee injury against Brentford, the extent of which is not yet known, but he'll certainly miss out here. So, with Gabriel sidelined and William Saliba a doubt, Jurriën Timber could start at centre-back, with Benjamin White at right-back, as was the case for both on Wednesday.
In midfield, Declan Rice was forced off with a knock in mid-week, but there is optimism he'll recover in time for this one, despite the quick turnaround.
Further forward, Martin Ødegaard started for the first time since 4 October on Wednesday, while Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze are set to return to the lineup, with Leandro Trossard still a doubt.
Viktor Gyökeres has come off the bench during the last two matches, while Gabriel Jesus is hoping to feature for the first time since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament on 12 January, having twice been an unused subsitute. Lastly, Riccardo Calafiori is one booking away from a suspension.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-3-3): Raya, White, Timber, Hincapié, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Eze, Merino.
Arsenal player to watch vs Aston Villa
Mikel Merino is seeking to score in a third successive match, having bagged five goals this season, netting 21 times for club and country in 2025. Before this, he had scored just 31 goals since June 2016.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction
This match is not one to be missed, and is very tough to call, but we are backing depleted Arsenal to, just about, claim a massive victory in the title race at Villa Park on Saturday: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League on TV channel?
Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 1 & Ultimate.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 2 Canada
How to watch Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League on live streaming?
Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League?
Aston Villa vs Arsenal takes place on Saturday 6 December 2025, with kick off at 12:30 (GMT), 7:30 (ET) & 4:30 (PT).