On December 6, 2025 fourth-placed Aston Villa welcomes title-chasing Arsenal in a mouthwatering Premier League showdown in Villa Park. Fresh off a 4-3 thriller with Brighton, Villans by Unai Emery are looking further to their European campaign. Gunners predicted XI, with Mikel Arteta in charge, are looking to build on their lead after a 2-0 victory in Brentford.
Aston Villa Injuries and Returns
Aston Villa face goalkeeping uncertainty with Emiliano Martinez listed as a doubt due to a back injury sustained in the pre-Brighton warm-up, potentially sidelining him with no confirmed return date—Robin Olsen or Marco Bizot may deputize. Midfielder Ross Barkley is out for at least two months with a knee issue picked up against Wolves. Defender Tyrone Mings remains absent long-term from an ACL tear, expected back in early 2026. Boubacar Kamara appears recovered from his prior hamstring absence and is predicted to feature.
Arsenal Injuries and Returns
Arsenal’s defensive crisis deepens. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes ruled out with unspecified injuries, no returns before mid-December.Cristhian Mosquera limped off with a knee/ankle problem versus Brentford, doubtful for Villa with scans pending. Declan Rice suffered a calf strain in the same game, likely missing the clash—return eyed for late December. Kai Havertz nurses a knee knock, touch-and-go but sidelined until after the festive period.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Vieira; Saka, Nwaneri, Martinelli.(Adjustments account for injuries, with Ethan Nwaneri stepping up.)
Players to Watch
In the case of Villa, the finishing of Ollie Watkins has the potential to take advantage of the drained Arsenal backline with his predatory nature, and Leon Bailey is fast on the right to the detriment of transitions. The Bukayo Saka is a creative dynamo in Arsenal, who is likely to shine when things get chaotic, and Martin Odegaard will plan the attacks in the absence of Rice. Moreover, This rivalry is a battle of endurance versus endurance in a possible title-contestant.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
