Line-ups have been confirmed as the title-chasing Gunners host Emery’s Villans

Arsenal will be looking 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, having closed the gap on the Reds to four points with their 2-1 win over rivals Spurs on Wednesday.

Villa have started 2025 in impressive fashion with three straight wins in all competitions, the latest a hard-fought 1-0 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 the his old team.

Check out the team news for Saturday’s late game below.

Arsenal team news

🔴 TEAM NEWS ⚪️

🤝 Lewis-Skelly continues as left back
🔙 Martinelli returns to the fold
💪 Havertz leads the line

Let’s do this, Gooners 👊

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 18, 2025

William Saliba is a key absentee for the Gunners with a ‘minor problem’ as Thomas Partey comes in at the back 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: Stripe; 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

Tonight’s team will face 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