Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news

Mikel Arteta is hoping to welcome back key defensive reinforcements when Arsenal host Aston Villa in a Premier League top-of-the-table clash tonight.

Arsenal returned to the summit of the league table with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton at the weekend.

But the Gunners now face a huge test against the in-form Villa, who sit three points behind Arteta’s side and have won 11 games in a row in all competitions.

There are positives for Arsenal, though, most notably the return of Gabriel, who came off the bench against Brighton to play his first minutes since mid-November.

And the Brazilian could come straight back into the starting lineup this evening to resume his rock-solid partnership with Willam Saliba at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.

Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber missed Saturday’s game after picking up a knock against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, but the Dutchman will be hoping to return at right-back tonight.

That would allow Declan Rice to move back into central midfield after the Englishman deputised at right-back against Brighton.

Riccardo Calafiori, meanwhile, remains a doubt after picking up an injury in the warm-up on Saturday.

‘It’s something that he felt yesterday, it’s something very awkward that happened and today in the warm-up, he wasn’t comfortable,’ Arteta confirmed after the win against Brighton.

That uncertainty may see Arteta opt to take no risks with the Italian, and the Arsenal boss could start Myles Lewis-Skelly or Piero Hincapie in his place at left-back.

Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman remain longer-term absentees, but Kai Havertz will be pushing to be involved in his first matchday squad since the opening game of the season.

Arsenal XI to face Aston Villa – Metro prediction

If there is to be any tinkering with Arsenal’s lineup, it could come in the final third as Arteta looks to inject some attacking verve into his side.

Gabriel Martinelli made a brief cameo against Brighton but could come back into the side on the left wing to replace Leandro Trossard.

And leading the line, another quiet display from Viktor Gyokeres may tempt Arteta to roll the dice and make a change at centre forward.

All eye, therefore, could be on Gabriel Jesus to make his first league start since his return from a lengthy knee injury in place of the struggling Swede.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa kick-off time, TV channel and live stream

Arsenal vs Aston Villa kicks off today (Tuesday 30 December) at 8.15pm.

You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.

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