Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Aston Villa, Declan Rice injured

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December 30, 2025 18:56 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Arsenal will be eyeing a fourth-straight Premier League win when they entertain Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

Ahead of the game, the Gunners have received a huge blow with midfielder Declan Rice ruled out with a knee injury.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya is an undisputed starter in goal for the Gunners for the league and European matches. He will be eyeing his 10th clean sheet of the top-flight campaign.

In defence, we anticipate Jurrien Timber to return at right-back after injury. Piero Hincapie will line up on the opposite end while William Saliba is poised to partner Gabriel Magalhes in the heart of the backline.

With Rice sidelined, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino should make up the central midfield with Martin Odegaard in the number 10 position.

Further forward, Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter on the right wing, while Viktor Gyokeres is poised to get the nod over Gabriel Jesus upfront.

Gabriel Martinelli could be backed to start on the left wing over Leandro Trossard to capitalise on Villa’s potential weakness at right-back.

With Matty Cash suspended, Lamare Bogarde or Andres Garcia could start in the role. Martinelli’s pace could be an X-factor tonight.

Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Aston Villa: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres.