Match Overview

Aston Villa face Arsenal at Villa Park in Saturday’s early Premier League kickoff. Both sides come in with contrasting yet effective styles, promising a tactical contest. The forecast suggests cool, wet conditions that could influence tempo and control. Their last meeting ended 2-2, highlighting how finely balanced this fixture can be.

• Fixture: Aston Villa vs Arsenal
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Villa Park
• Date: 06-12-2025
• Kickoff: 12:30

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa

• E. Martínez
• M. Cash
• L. Digne
• E. Konsa
• Pau Torres
• J. McGinn
• M. Rogers
• B. Kamara
• E. Buendía
• D. Malen
• O. Watkins

Arsenal

• David Raya
• R. Calafiori
• J. Timber
• W. Saliba
• Cristhian Mosquera
• D. Rice
• Martín Zubimendi
• E. Eze
• Mikel Merino
• B. Saka
• V. Gyokeres

Injury & Suspension Report

Aston Villa

• E. Martínez – Back Injury
• T. Mings – Hamstring Injury
• R. Barkley – Knee Injury
• R. Barkley – Knock

Arsenal

• Cristhian Mosquera – Ankle Injury
• D. Rice – Calf Injury
• D. Rice – Injury
• W. Saliba – Injury
• L. Trossard – Injury
• Cristhian Mosquera – Injury
• K. Havertz – Knee Injury
• Gabriel Magalhães – Muscle Injury

Head-to-Head

Across 188 past meetings, Arsenal lead the series with 82 wins, Aston Villa have 66 victories, and 40 games ended level. Recent encounters have tended to be close, with under three goals on average. Their most recent match finished 2-2, reflecting the narrow margins between the sides.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Villa’s home run has been strong, with five straight victories and 11 goals scored in that stretch. The hosts are comfortable controlling phases and pressing in key moments, often building through a compact midfield. The expected wet and cool conditions could suit their measured approach and ability to manage transitions at Villa Park.

Birmingham’s Blues gear up for a high-stakes Premier League showdown as top-flight giants collide in a battle of steel and grit.

Arsenal arrive with consistent away form: three wins and two draws from their last five on the road, scoring nine times. They top the table on 30 points from 13 matches (nine wins, three draws, one defeat), underpinned by a possession-led plan and coordinated pressing. The visitors will look to control midfield tempo while limiting counter-attacks.

For Villa, D. Malen’s recent return at home has been timely, with three goals in his last three matches at Villa Park. His runs alongside O. Watkins can stretch a back line and create space for J. McGinn, B. Kamara, M. Rogers, and E. Buendía to dictate second balls and sustain pressure. Full-backs M. Cash and L. Digne provide width, but their positioning will need balance against Arsenal’s wide threats.

Arsenal’s attacking edge has been shared effectively, with E. Eze offering end product in recent weeks while B. Saka and V. Gyokeres carry the front-line threat. Control will hinge on D. Rice, Martín Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, though Rice is listed with a calf issue. At the back, W. Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera also appear on the injury list, so defensive availability is a key pre-match watch, even as J. Timber and R. Calafiori add composure.

Prediction: A tight contest with limited clear chances. Draw, 1-1.