Arsenal vs Aston Villa Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Premier League, January 18, 2025

Arsenal vs Aston Villa Preview

• Competition: Premier League.
• Date: Saturday, January 18.
• Time: 5:30 PM GMT.
• Venue: Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa will take place at the Emirates Stadium in the late kick-off slot in the Premier League on January 18 as the second-placed team will host the team in seventh place.

The Gunners will enter this game with 43 points from 21 games in second place. They have won two of their last five matches across competitions, securing two draws and suffering one defeat as well. Defeats against Newcastle United and Manchester United in the EFL Cup and FA Cup respectively were tough moments, but they have continued their good run in the league. A win against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their last game is bound to boost confidence.

Villa, on the other hand, will enter this game with 35 points from 21 games in seventh place. They have won three of their last five matches across competitions, securing one draw and suffering just one defeat. In this run, they have scored seven and conceded seven goals as well, keeping one clean sheet. They defeated West Ham 2-1 in the FA Cup followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Everton in the league in their last match and will look to extend that run.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.

Arsenal Team News

Manager Mikel Arteta has had to adapt to the lack of attacking players available due to injuries but did well as they won 2-1 against Spurs last time. Every player came out of that game unscathed but quite a few players are still far from a return.

Ben White (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ethan Nwaneri (muscle), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Riccardo Calafiori (muscle) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) will all miss out.

Aston Villa Team News

Manager Unai Emery fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match as they secured a narrow win away at Everton. There were no new injuries or suspensions picked up in that match but the Villans will be without a few players for the next one.

Diego Carlos (foot), John McGinn (hamstring), Pau Torres (foot) and Ross Barkley (calf) will all miss the trip to the Emirates Stadium.

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Arsenal vs Aston Villa Predicted Lineups

Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: David Raya.

Defenders: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice.

Forwards: Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez (C).

Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne.

Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans.

Forwards: Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record

These two have met frequently in the last several seasons and have produced competitive matches as both teams continue to challenge in the top half of the Premier League. The last five meetings have seen Arsenal secure three wins, while Aston Villa have won the other two matches.

Key Players to Watch

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

In the absence of Bukayo Saka, Havertz is the Gunners’ second top goal contributor with seven goals and two assists to his name so far this season. His seven goals have come from 8.21 xG, meaning he will have to improve his performance in front of goal. He missed a couple of sitters in the last match and will look to bounce back in the next one.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

The Villa marksman has been the leading contributor for his team yet again this season. He has produced nine goals and four assists this season as he looks to achieve the best possible finish with his team. His goals have come from 10.79 xG, though, meaning he will also have to step up and convert his chances at a better frequency.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa Prediction

Going by the recent head-to-head record, there is not much to decipher as both teams have defeated each other home and away. Recent form suggests both teams are playing well and this could be a close one, but Arsenal will edge it due to home advantage.

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa.

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