Arsenal will look to build on their north London derby victory as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa travel to the Emirates.
The Gunners continue their quest for the Premier League leaders, having closed the gap behind the Reds to four points with their 2-1 victory over rivals Spurs on Wednesday.
Villa have started 2025 impressively with three consecutive wins in all competitions, the latest being a hard-fought 1-0 victory 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 their last three games against his former team.
Check out the team news for Saturday’s late game below.
Arsenal team news
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🤝 Lewis-Skelly continues at left back
🔙 Martinelli returns home
💪 Havertz leads the lineLet’s do it, Gooners 👊
–Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 18, 2025
William Saliba is a key absentee for the Gunners with a “minor issue” as Thomas Partey enters 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 lineup: Raya; Partey, Timber, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Rice; Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Submarines: Neto, Tierney, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Kacurri, Jorginho, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabi, Sterling
Aston Villa team news
Tonight’s team to face 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 from eleven: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Kamara; Tielemans, Ramsey, Rogers; Watkins
Submarines: Olsen, Gauci, Bogarde, Nedeljkovic, Digne, Buendia, Bailey, Malen, Duran
