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

Arsenal will look to build on their north London derby win while Unai Emery’s Aston Villa visit the Emirates.

The Gunners continue their hunt for the Premier League leaders after reducing the gap to the Reds to four points with their 2-1 win over rivals Spurs on Wednesday.

Villa have made an impressive start to 2025 with three straight wins in all competitions, most recently a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Everton, and remain in the race for European qualification this season.

On their last visit to Arsenal, they ended 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 his former side.

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

Arsenal team news

🔴 TEAM NEWS ⚪️

🤝 Lewis-Skelly remains a left-back
🔙 Martinelli returns to the group
💪 Havertz leads the line

Let’s do this, Gooners 👊

– Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 18, 2025

William Saliba is a key loss for the Gunners with a “small problem” as Thomas Partey moves into the back four alongside Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelley.

Gabriel Martinelli returns to the team in place of Raheem Sterling, while Mikel Merino moves into midfield.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya; 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 takes on Arsenal 👊#ARSAVL pic.twitter.com/xTzduD2fTD

– Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 18, 2025

Villa made one change from the side that beat Everton: Ian Maatsen replaced Lucas Digne at left-back.

Aston Villa starting eleven: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Onana, Kamara; Tielemans, Ramsey, Rogers; Watkins

Subs: Olsen, Gauci, Bogarde, Nedeljkovic, Digne, Buendia, Bailey, Malen, Duran