Aston Villa vs Arsenal kick-off, date & TV info
Date Saturday, December 6
Kick-off 12.30pm
Venue Villa Park, Birmingham
Competition Premier League
TV TNT Sports 1
Saturday’s Premier League action begins with a bang as Premier League leaders Arsenal put their 18-game unbeaten run on the line at third-placed Aston Villa, who are chasing a ninth straight victory in all competitions at Villa Park.
The Gunners have a defensive injury crisis to deal with but they will be determined to build on their five-point lead at the top with second-placed Manchester City not in action at home to Sunderland until later in the afternoon.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal betting tips & predictions
Best bet
Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals
2pts 6-4 bet365
Player card
Martin Zubimendi to be shown a card
7-2 bet365
Longshot
Bukayo Saka first goalscorer
7-1 general
Aston Villa vs Arsenal preview
An 18-game unbeaten run has taken Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League table as well in pole position in the Champions League, but Mikel Arteta’s title-chasers face a stern test of their credentials at fortress Villa Park.
The Gunners have not tasted defeat since going down 1-0 against Liverpool at Anfield at the end of August but score draws on their last two away league visits to Sunderland and Chelsea will offer Aston Villa hope.
The busy schedule could be catching up with Arsenal, who are missing first-choice centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba through injury, while replacement Cristhian Mosquera is doubtful after limping off in the first half of Wednesday’s 2-0 win at home to Brentford.
That leaves Arteta with a potential selection headache in the heart of defence and the Arsenal manager will be desperate to have Declan Rice fit to feature in midfield after his midweek knock.
Such is Arsenal’s strength in depth this season after a summer overhaul that the leaders may get away with it, but Villa won’t be easy to pass with their tails up at their beloved base.
Unai Emery will always be determined to get one over his former employers but even more so as his Villa team are third following a purple patch and could reduce the gap at the top to just three points with a victory.
The Villans failed to win any of their opening five league games, scoring just once, but they have triumphed in eight of their last nine top-flight matches, losing only away at Liverpool.
Villa have reeled off eight consecutive victories at home, which includes accounting for Manchester City, while a thrilling 4-3 success at Brighton on Wednesday shows they don’t lack belief given that they trailed 2-0 early on.
Having Ollie Watkins back among the goals with a brace after an 11-game drought can only be a positive and they should cause plenty of problems for the depleted Gunners.
Arsenal still shine brightly in attack, with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze well rested after substitute cameos on Wednesday, and this could pan out similarly to the entertaining 2-2 draw the pair played out at Emirates in January.
Both teams have scored in four of Arsenal’s last five matches – Brentford rattled the bar in the recent 2-0 win – and Villa have put four past both Brighton and Bournemouth in the last month.
Zubimendi set for another card on the road
Martin Zubimendi provides protection for Arsenal’s defence and he will be relied upon more if Rice misses out. He has committed 17 fouls in 14 Premier League appearances.
Zubimendi has six bookings in 23 appearances for club and country this season, which includes back-to-back away games at Sunderland and Chelsea, and Villa’s energetic midfield have been masters at drawing fouls.
John McGinn, having been fouled 25 times in 14 games, and Boubacar Kamara, who has been fouled 21 times in 12 appearances, are two notable players in that regard and it could come at a cost for Arsenal’s Spanish international.
Saka should shine for league leaders
Saka confirmed the feeling that he is starting to hit peak form by grabbing Arsenal’s second goal in Wednesday’s win over Brentford and he should be fighting fit after that 30-minute cameo.
The England international has six goal contributions in his last eight appearances for the Gunners and, having had two or more shots on target in four of his last five league outings, he could provide the value as first goalscorer.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Bet Builder
Both teams to score
Both teams have scored in four of Arsenal’s last five matches and they are weakened defensively, while Villa edged to a 4-3 success at Brighton on Wednesday.
Martin Zubimendi to commit a foul
The Spanish international has committed five fouls in as many league matches and will be severely tested by this lively Villans midfield.
Bukayo Saka to have two or more shots on target
The Arsenal star has had two or more shots on target in four of his last five league appearances and he should be confident following his midweek goal against Brentford.
Pays out at 13-2 with bet365
Key stats for Aston Villa vs Arsenal
♦ Aston Villa have won eight straight home matches
♦ Arsenal have lost just one of their last 21 Premier League away games
♦ The Gunners are unbeaten in 18 matches
♦ Both teams have scored in four of Arsenal’s last five matches
♦ Four of Villa’s last five games have gone over 2.5 goals
Aston Villa vs Arsenal betting odds
Sign up with Paddy Power to bet on Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League. Here are the latest odds for Saturday’s match.
MarketOddsAston Villa16-5Arsenal17-20Draw12-5
Odds correct at time of publishing
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Aston Villa vs Arsenal team news and predicted line-ups
Aston Villa
Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are Villa’s only confirmed absentees with number one shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez expected to return after missing Wednesday’s win at Brighton.
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins.
Subs: Tielemans, Guessand, Maatsen, Bogarde, Malen, Sancho, Lindelof, Garcia.
Arsenal
Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera both sustained injuries in the midweek win over Brentford and face late fitness tests with Rice most likely to make it. William Saliba and Leandro Trossard could return but that looks unlikely. Kai Havertz and centre-back Gabriel remain sidelined.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze.
Subs: Madueke, Martinelli, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, Rice, Dowman.
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FAQs for Aston Villa vs Arsenal
When is Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League?
The Premier League clash kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday, December 6.
Where is Aston Villa vs Arsenal being played?
The fixture is taking place at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, England.
Where can I watch Aston Villa vs Arsenal?
The match is being screened live on TNT Sports 1.
What is the match betting for Aston Villa vs Arsenal?
Premier League leaders Arsenal are 17-20 for victory, with Aston Villa 16-5 for a ninth straight home victory. The draw is on offer at 12-5.
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