Aston Villa Faces Arsenal Live: Premier League Match Coverage, Team Updates, Lineups, Broadcast Info, and Predictions

Declan Rice starts for the Gunners but no William Saliba as the third hosts first in a crucial lunchtime clash.

Ready to go: Declan Rice has shaken off a calf injury to start for Arsenal against Aston Villa.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Declan Rice starts as Arsenal takes on Aston Villa in an important Premier League fixture. The Gunners aim to extend their five-point lead in the title race following a strong rebound from a disappointing draw with 10-man Chelsea, overcoming Brentford in their recent match. Mikel Arteta will also have Leandro Trossard available, and he restores Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to his starting XI, but William Saliba remains unavailable while Cristhian Mosquera is set for a spell out, adding to their defensive injuries.

Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez is working to be fit for Villa, who stand in third place after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton, maintaining a six-match winning streak across all competitions. A significant win today could elevate them to second place, just three points behind the leaders, with Manchester City facing Sunderland later.

Unai Emery will surely be eager for revenge against the club that dismissed him in 2019, which allowed Mikel Arteta to lead a transformation in north London. Follow Aston Villa vs Arsenal live below!