Here at Sportscasting, we have the Arsenal vs Aston Villa preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Arsenal Vs Aston Villa Preview
The midweek North London derby victory has reaffirmed Arsenal’s title hopes. A Dominic Solanke own goal and Leandro Trossard strike ensured the bragging rights over neighbours Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now four points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after the Reds slipped up at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
The Gunners will need to keep the momentum going with the business end of the season on the horizon. A new forward is likely at the Emirates owing to Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury.
That could prove to be the perfect remedy as Arteta aims to become the first boss since Arsene Wenger to deliver the title in N5.
The Spaniard has overseen an indifferent start to 2025. Cup defeats to Newcastle and Manchester United have dampened the mood at the Emirates but back-to-back wins will definitely boost morale.
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 16, 2025
Aston Villa kept up their UEFA Champions League hopes after beating Everton last time out. Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game on David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park.
The England forward has fond memories of playing in the red half of North London. Last season, the 29-year-old scored in a fine 2-0 win which essentially ruined Arsenal’s title hopes.
Boss Unai Emery will be hoping for a similar performance on Saturday night. Villa have won all three of their games so far in 2025 and certainly have it about them to extend that winning run.
As it stands, the Villans are in 8th position on 35 points. A win against the Gunners has the potential to put the Lions upto 5th on Saturday night.
Ahead of the game, the best football betting sites in the UK price Arsenal as the 8/15 favourites. Aston Villa can be backed at 6/1 with the draw 7/2.
Arsenal Vs Aston Villa Team News
Wednesday’s victory brought about no new injury concerns for Arsenal. Once again, the Gunners will have to make do without Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Riccardo Calafiori is rated 50/50 and Gabriel Jesus won’t play again this season. Therefore, Mikel Arteta is set to name a near-identical starting XI that beat Tottenham.
The only change will likely be Gabriel Martinelli coming in for Raheem Sterling. The former England man was largely uninspiring against Spurs.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are expected to be without Ross Barkley, Pau Torres, John McGinn and Diego Carlos. The latter has claimed that he is fit so a late call is expected to determine his participation.
January signing Donyell Malen is in line to get his first minutes. The Dutchman will start on the bench but is likely to be given a run out later in the game.
Colombian forward Jhon Duran is also desperate for some game time. The 21-year-old is yet to make a league appearance in 2025.
Tomorrow evening 🔜 pic.twitter.com/53sOJOKwEp
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 17, 2025
Arsenal Vs Aston Villa Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Rogers, Tielemans, Bailey; Watkins
Arsenal Vs Aston Villa Prediction
Despite victory over Tottenham on Wednesday, Arsenal will need to be a lot more ruthless if they are to beat a stubborn Aston Villa side.
The lack of a natural finisher was evident during the NLD but we fancy the Gunners to get the job done against Unai Emery’s men.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Aston Villa
