Arsenal will look to build on their north London derby win as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa visit the Emirates.
The Gunners continue their pursuit of the Premier League leaders, closing the gap on the Reds to four points with a 2-1 win over rivals Spurs on Wednesday.
Villa have made an impressive start to 2025 with three straight wins in all competitions, the latest a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Everton, and remain in the race for European qualification this season.
Their last visit to Arsenal saw them end the Gunners’ title hopes last season with a memorable 2-0 win in north London in April, with Emery winning two of his last three games against his former side.
Check out the team news for Saturday’s late game below.
Arsenal team news
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🤝 Lewis-Skelly continues in the position of left back
🔙 Martinelli returns to the herd
💪 Havertz leads the wayLet’s do it, Gooners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 18, 2025
William Saliba is a key absentee for the Gunners with a “minor problem” as Thomas Partey comes into the back four alongside Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelley.
Gabriel Martinelli returns to the XI in place of Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino comes into midfield.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya; Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; merino, rice; Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Subscriptions: Neto, Tierney, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabi, Sterling
Aston Villa team news
Tonight’s team against Arsenal 👊#ARSAVL pic.twitter.com/xTzduD2fTD
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 18, 2025
Villa made one change to the XI that beat Everton with Ian Maatsen replacing Lucas Digne at left-back.
Aston Villa starting XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Kamara; Tielemans, Ramsey, Rogers; Watkins
Subscriptions: Olsen, Gauci, Bogarde, Nedeljkovic, Digne, Buendia, Bailey, Malen, Duran
