Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have finalised their teams for a pivotal Premier League encounter under the lights at the Emirates Stadium this evening. The match pits the league leaders, Arsenal, against a surging Aston Villa side in third place, promising a high-stakes battle in north London.
Confirmed Starting Lineups for Emirates Showdown
The team sheets are in, revealing the players tasked with securing a crucial result. Arsenal's starting XI sees David Raya in goal, protected by a defence of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Piero Hincapie. The midfield trio consists of Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and captain Martin Odegaard. The attacking threat will be provided by Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and striker Viktor Gyokeres.
On the other side, Aston Villa's lineup is anchored by World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The back four features Lamare Bogarde, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof, and Lucas Digne. The engine room is manned by Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans, with an attacking trio of Jadon Sancho, Emiliano Buendia, and Morgan Rogers supporting main striker Ollie Watkins.
Substitutes and Tactical Options
Both managers have significant firepower available from the bench should the game require a change. Arsenal's substitutes include goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, along with Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Unai Emery's options for Villa include goalkeepers Marco Bizot and Joe Wright, as well as Ian Maatsen, Diego Garcia, Declan Routh, Kadan Hemmings, John McGinn, Donyell Malen, and Travis Jimoh-Aloba. The depth available to both sides underscores the importance of this fixture.
The Stakes in North London
The context for this match could hardly be bigger. Arsenal enter the fixture with an impressive unbeaten record at home this season and will be determined to extend their lead over Villa to six points. However, the task is formidable against Unai Emery's remarkable Villa side, who arrive in the capital having won their last eleven consecutive Premier League matches.
This top-three showdown, scheduled for the evening of 30th December 2025, is more than just another league game. It is a direct clash between a title contender and its closest challenger, with major implications for the Premier League table. The tactical duel between former colleagues Arteta and Emery adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling spectacle.
