Arsenal will look to build on their North London derby victory as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa visit the Emirates.
The Gunners continue their pursuit of Premier League leaders, having closed the gap behind the Reds to four points with their 2-1 win over rivals Spurs on Wednesday.
Villa have started 2025 impressively with three straight wins in all competitions, the latest a hard-fought 1-0 win away 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 victory 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.
📰 Table Of Contents
Arsenal team news
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🤝 Lewis-Skelly continues at left-back
🔙 Martinelli returns to the fold
💪 Havertz leads the lineLet’s do this, Gooners 👊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 18, 2025
William Saliba is a key absentee for the Gunners with a “minor issue” 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, with Mikel Merino coming into midfield.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya; Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Rice; Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Subs: Neto,Tierney, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabi, Sterling
Aston Villa team news
This evening’s team to take on Arsenal 👊#ARSAVL pic.twitter.com/xTzduD2fTD
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 18, 2025
Villa have 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
Subs: Olsen, Gauci, Bogarde, Nedeljkovic, Digne, Buendia, Bailey, Malen, Duran
