Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 Premier League season presents another compelling fixture as Aston Villa prepares to host Arsenal on Matchweek 15.

The match is scheduled to take place at Villa Park on Friday, 5 December 2025 at 12:30 local time.

This week’s opening fixture brings together two top-of-the-table contenders: league leaders Arsenal and third-placed Aston Villa.

Arsenal maintains a comfortable lead following their midweek 2–0 victory over Brentford, while Unai Emery’s side engineered an impressive comeback in a high-scoring duel against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Before the match kicks off, here is Mansion Sports’ preview of the predicted lineups for Aston Villa vs Arsenal in December 2025.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Aston Villa

Aston Villa sits atop the Premier League form chart following their 1–0 victory over Manchester City.

Unai Emery’s squad has staged a remarkable resurgence after an uncertain start, and their prospects of securing a Champions League spot are increasingly within reach.

This turnaround was highlighted in their dramatic 4–3 triumph over Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton initially took a two-goal lead before Villa responded with four consecutive goals. Brighton later narrowed the deficit, yet Villa held firm to secure the win.

Chelsea’s defeat to Leeds United also worked to Villa’s advantage, elevating them to third place — six points behind Arsenal and one point adrift of Manchester City.

The victory marked Villa’s sixth consecutive win in all competitions and their fourth straight win in the Premier League.

Their form at Villa Park has been particularly impressive, with eight consecutive home victories and only three goals conceded in that span.

Unai Emery now faces his former club in an encouraging situation, although Arsenal previously defeated Villa 2–0 at Villa Park in August 2024 and drew 4–4 in their January meeting at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal

Brentford attempted to replicate their compact defensive style from the Thomas Frank era, relying on deep blocks and quick transitions.

However, the approach faltered when Mikel Merino headed in Arsenal’s opening goal during the first half.

Despite facing sustained pressure in the second half, Arsenal’s backline — missing Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba — remained resolute. Bukayo Saka ultimately sealed the victory with a stoppage-time strike.

The win ensured Arsenal maintained their five-point advantage over Manchester City, who had previously edged Fulham in a 5–4 thriller.

With ten league wins so far, Arsenal remains the only team yet to concede double-digit goals, having allowed just seven. The clean sheet against Brentford was their first in five matches across all competitions.

Since suffering defeat from Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick in August, Arsenal has now gone 18 matches unbeaten in all competitions.

They now face the only Premier League side boasting a better six-match form record than them.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Predicted Lineups – December 2025

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Aston Villa remains without former Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who is sidelined with a back injury and unlikely to return this weekend.

Ross Barkley (knee) and Tyrone Mings (thigh) are also not expected back until the end of the year, though the rest of the squad is in suitable condition for the league leaders' visit.

Donyell Malen, who scored his fourth goal of the season against Brighton, will challenge Evann Guessand for a starting position.

Additional competition comes from Emiliano Buendía, particularly valuable in set-piece situations.

Predicted lineup:

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Arsenal suffered two injuries during their win over Brentford. Cristhian Mosquera left the pitch with a knee or ankle issue pending confirmation, while Declan Rice experienced discomfort in his calf.

Rice later stated he felt fine after the match and is likely to be available. Mosquera joins William Saliba and Leandro Trossard on the list of doubtful players.

With Mosquera’s absence, Mikel Arteta is short on centre-back options, especially with Gabriel Magalhães still out.

Jurrien Timber is expected to fill the gap competently. Conversely, Kai Havertz has experienced a setback in his knee recovery and may not return before Christmas.

Predicted lineup:

This match was played with high intensity and strong quality from both teams. Aston Villa played with great confidence, while Arsenal brought solid consistency into this important game.