The mid-December scuffles in the Premier League. The preview of a critical confrontation with Aston Villa hosting Arsenal at Villa Park. A game full of title race intrigues and the desire to qualify to the European championship. The Villa side of Unai Emery is on the high following a dramatic 4-3 win over Brighton and this team is under a goalkeeping crisis as Emiliano Martinez is sidelined by a back injury which allows Robin Olsen to play.
The Match Details
This enthralling encounter takes place at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. A storied venue boasting a 42,789 capacity and electric atmosphere. It’s scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, with kickoff at 12:30 PM GMT. Referee Peter Bankes, famed for his authoritative decisions, will oversee proceedings amid potential midweek scheduling strains.
Head-to-Head Record
The preview says Arsenal control the history. They have won 30 of the 48 league matches against the 8 matches of Villa, 10 draws cutting the book. The tail of recent form only augurs more in the favor of Gunners: they have won four out of the five previous rim matches in the Premier League, in many cases of a low-scoring nature, averaging 2.83 goals. The last home victory against Arsenal of Villa reminisces of 2020, which increases the psychological advantage of the visitors in this competition.
Prediction
Arsenal is struggling with an increasing number of injury issues. Declan Rice left the field with a calf issue, joining Cristhian Mosquera (knee/ankle) on the treatment table, and his teammates William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are on the bubble. The change of Mikel Arteta will play a crucial role in opposition to the tactical savvy of Emery.
Despite Arsenal’s injury toll, their superior firepower—spearheaded by Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard—should shine through. Villa’s robust home record, unbeaten in six, poses a threat, but Arteta’s men edge a 0-2 victory. Expect a cagey affair: BTTS No; Under 2.5 goals. Three points crucial for Arsenal’s championship charge.
