Aston Villa have the chance to prove their title credentials as they seek to thwart Arsenal’s challenge in a mouth-watering Premier League clash.
Unai Emery’s side have had a rocky start to the 2025/26 campaign but find themselves third in the table heading into the new year, seven points above fourth-placed Liverpool after falling behind to beat Chelsea on Saturday.
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They are on an astonishing 11-game winning streak in all competitions and a victory at the Emirates Stadium could see them level on points with leaders Arsenal, who have begun to show signs of unease in wins over Brighton and Wolves over the past month.
The Gunners, meanwhile, will seek revenge on Villa, who secured a stoppage-time victory in the West Midlands less than four weeks ago.
Here’s everything you need to know before a conflict.
When is the Arsenal vs Aston Villa match?
The Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa kicks off at 8:15pm on Tuesday, December 30 at the Emirates Stadium in London.
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How can I watch it?
UK viewers will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League, starting at 6:30pm. It’s also available to stream on Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can get a NOWTV all-day pass here to watch without a subscription.
Team news
Mikel Arteta’s defensive injury crisis intensified at the weekend with Jurien Timber missing the game against Brighton after “an awkward landing” before Riccardo Calafiore picked up an injury in the warm-up. Ben White and Christian Mosquera have also been sidelined throughout the festive period, but Gabriel could soon return to the starting line-up after coming on as a substitute against the Seagulls. Declan Rice may be forced to start at right back again.
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Villa are likely to offer Ollie Watkins a start after he scored twice at Stamford Bridge, although Emery must find alternatives for Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara, who both triggered suspensions after being booked against the Blues. Tyrone Mings, Paulo Torres and Ross Barkley are still missing, while Evan Gessang is involved in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Expected lineup
Arsenal XI: Eid; Rice, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze; Saka, Chokeres, Trossard.
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Bogarde, Konsa, Lindelof, Mattsson; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
