The premier league match-day 15 kick-off with an intriguing fixture between league leaders Arsenal and third placed Aston Villa, Softfootball reports.
The Gunners beat Brentford 2-0 at the Emirates in their last match while Aston Villa won a pulsating match against Brighton 4-3 away from home as they climbed to third position in the league while Arsenal stay top.
Arsenal are ready for the remaining away fixtures of the year as shown via their official X handle. They posted:
Away day ready 🚗
Here are the stadiums we’re visiting to round out 2025.
🤝 Good Ride pic.twitter.com/MDdtA2C5Jq
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 4, 2025Aston Villa are a tricky test for Arsenal as they’ve won their last six matches in a role but the Gunners are well equipped as they have conceded the least number of goals this season in the premier league.
Head-to-Head
Arsenal and Aston Villa have played 205 times with the Gunners winning 88 matches against Villa’s 71 and 46 matches have ended in a draw. Arsenal All-time top scorer Thierry Henry leads the individual scoring charts in this fixture with 12 goals, followed by Olivier Giroud (eight), Tony Woodcock (seven) and Ian Wright (seven).
Star Player
Ollie Watkins, who was on Al Hilal’s radar during the summer scored twice against Brighton to help Aston Villa to a 4-3 win against the Seagulls and Unai Emery will be counting on the striker’s return to form to beat his former side at Villa Park.
Bukayo Saka has scored twice in his last two matches for Arsenal and he is the key man for Mikel Arteta’s side. He is very mobile and beats defenders to create opportunity for teammates or score himself.
Team News
Arsenal will be without Cristhian Mosquera as he suffered either a knee injury against Brentford before Declan Rice came off with a calf problem but said he was fine after the match.
However, Arsenal will be without William Saliba (knock) and Leandro Trossard (muscle) is doubtful. Gabriel Magalhaes (thigh) will not return before Christmas, leaving first choice right back Jurrien Timber to play as a center half.
German international, Kai Havertz suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem and is facing a race against time to return before Christmas.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez was a late withdrawal from the squad to face Brighton with a back injury, and Emery has suggested that his number one will not be available this weekend either.
Ross Barkley (knee) and Tyrone Mings (thigh) are not expected back before the end of the calendar year, but the home side are otherwise in good nick for the visit of the league leaders.
Emery may also prefer freekick specialist, Emiliano Buendia over Dutch forward Donyell Malen, who scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season off the bench on Wednesday against Brighton.
Aston Villa probable XI:
Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Arsenal probable XI:
Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Softfootball Prediction
Arsenal are massive favourites for the premier league title and matches like this push them to their limit and if they come out tops. They can confidently go all the way but Aston Villa won’t be easy. Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal.
