Aston Villa vs Arsenal EPL Preview: Form guide, head-to-head, team news ahead of Villa Park showdown

Aston Villa and Arsenal square off later today in a critical league showdown on Matchday 16.

The hosts will put their winning streak at Villa Park on the line against the Gunners, who are coming off a thrilling win over Luton.

Read on as Sports Brief previews this Premier League contest.

Aston Villa vs. Arsenal EPL Match Preview

Team Form

Aston Villa and Arsenal will head into their showdown in fine form.

The Gunners have won each of their previous six games in all competitions, including the last four in the English top flight. They recorded a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Luton Town on Tuesday to maintain their lead over Liverpool in the league table.

Declan Rice: The Gunner Galactico ???? @Arsenal | @_DeclanRice pic.twitter.com/FkfziTtBlc

— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) December 8, 2023

Villa have racked up 10 points in their last five league outings. They nabbed wins over Fulham, Tottenham, and Manchester City, and recorded a draw against Bournemouth.

Aston Villa have turned Villa Park into a fortress, winning each of their last 14 league matches there, including all seven this season.

They are coming off a 1-0 victory over the defending Premier League champions.

LIMBS???? #astonvilla #avfc #utv pic.twitter.com/Wg6fgmfpui

— Kain????️♈️ (@Kain_avfc) December 8, 2023

Arsenal have scored the most points in away league matches this season with 16, recording five wins, one draw, and one loss on the road this campaign.

Recent Head-to-Head Matchups

The Gunners have fared extremely well against Villa lately, beating them in their last four meetings.

Arsenal defeated Aston Villa 4-2 in their previous trip to Villa Park last February. The Gunners battled back from a 2-1 half-time deficit, scoring three goals in the second half.

Here is what happened the last time we visited Aston Villa

Jorginho last time screamer then Martinelli pre goal celebration

Let's repeat that tomorrow

COYG pic.twitter.com/p9gD68xMO6

— Koma (@koma_AFC) December 8, 2023

Team News

There are no fresh injury concerns for either side after playing league matches mid-week.

The Gunners will be without manager Mikel Arteta on the bench, though. The Arsenal boss will serve a touchline ban after he collected a third booking at the end of the match against Luton, per The Guardian.

He can still talk to his players during half-time.

Bukayo Saka is set to make history today. The 22-year-old is poised to become the fifth-youngest player in the Premier League to make 150 appearances.