| Arsenal vs Aston Villa | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Arsenal vs Aston Villa
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COMPETITION :
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Premier League
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| DATE: |
31-12-2025
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TIME:
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01.45 AM IST
12.15 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Emirates Stadium |
Amid a congested festive fixture list, Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad on Tuesday, especially after Declan Rice was forced to deputise at right-back against Brighton. Arsenal’s defensive resources have been stretched to the limit, with Jurrien Timber already unavailable before Riccardo Calafiori suffered a late setback during the warm-up. Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White also remain sidelined, compounding the Gunners’ problems at the back.
In that context, the return of Gabriel Magalhães came as a welcome boost, although it remains uncertain whether the Brazilian centre-back is ready to start after his recent absence.
Crystal Palace will be hoping to unleash Eberechi Eze from the bench, with the England international boasting an impressive record against Aston Villa at Selhurst Park. Eze has been involved in five goals across his last four Premier League home games against Villa and has also found the net in his side’s final league match in each of the past three calendar years.
For the visitors, Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line once again after netting the winner against Chelsea. The former Arsenal target has scored four goals in five Premier League appearances at the Emirates Stadium and is likely to get the nod ahead of ex-Gunner Donyell Malen.
Unai Emery, however, must contend with two enforced absences. Both Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are suspended after picking up bookings at Stamford Bridge. Amadou Onana is set to replace Kamara in midfield, while Lamare Bogarde could step in at right-back.
Villa’s injury list remains a concern, with Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Ross Barkley all unavailable. Additionally, Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.