Arsenal visit a tricky Aston Villa side in a bid to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. 

Arsenal (1st) must win against in-form Aston Villa, who currently sit third in the Premier League, if they want to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table going into a gruelling December.

Villa have found themselves in a good run of form, and both for themselves and Arsenal, this game is a huge test. Arteta faces former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, and ahead of the game, the Arsenal manager has said that Emery doesn’t need extra motivation to win.

For Emery, this fixture has a bit of emotion to it, and winning won’t just guarantee three points or a push for the title but also secure bragging rights over his former employers. 

Team News

Ex-Gunners number two and current Aston Villa number one, Emiliano Martinez, was a late withdrawal from the squad to face Brighton with a back injury, and Emery has suggested that his number one will not be available this weekend either.

Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are suffering from injuries and are not expected back before the end of the calendar year.

For Arsenal, there are more injury woes as Mosquera, who had an ankle injury in the win against Brentford, will be facing two months out, while Kai Havertz has also suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem and is facing a race against time to return before Christmas.

Declan Rice,  William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard are all doubts ahead of the Villa game.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Predicted XI

Aston Villa Predicted XI

Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

Arsenal Predicted XI

Raya, White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino, Saka, Gyokeres, Eze