Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confronts significant selection challenges for today's Premier League fixture against high-flying Aston Villa. The Gunners travel to Villa Park on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for a 12:30 PM GMT kick-off, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table. Key players face late fitness tests following recent injury concerns, forcing Arteta to consider several tactical adjustments.^[1][2][3][4] ### Defensive Reshuffle Expected The defensive line presents the most complex puzzle for Arsenal. Goalkeeper David Raya is expected to retain his place between the sticks, having secured a clean sheet in the recent 2-0 victory over Brentford.^[5][6][7] However, the center-back positions are heavily impacted by injuries. William Saliba, who missed the last two matches with a knock, is a major doubt. His availability hinges on a late fitness assessment from Friday's training session.^{[1][6][7][8][2]} Should Saliba return, he would likely partner Piero Hincapié at the heart of the defense. ^[1][6][7] In Saliba's absence, Jurrien Timber is a strong candidate to step into the central defensive role. Timber has shown versatility, featuring both at right-back and centrally for his country. ^[5]Another significant blow is Cristhian Mosquera, who suffered an ankle injury against Brentford and is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks. ^{[1][9][8][10][11]}Gabriel Magalhães remains out with a thigh issue, not expected back until closer to the new year. T^[9][12]his leaves Arsenal's central defense significantly depleted. Ben White is anticipated to start at right-back, with Riccardo Calafiori continuing at left-back, having avoided suspension. ^[5][7]### Midfield Engine Room Concerns The midfield also sees a crucial fitness watch on Declan Rice. The influential midfielder was forced off late in the Brentford match with a calf issue. While Rice himself indicated he was "fine" after the game, manager Mikel Arteta stated on Friday that his availability would depend on the final training session. I^[1][8][10]f Rice is cleared to play, he is expected to join Martín Zubimendi and captain Martin Ødegaard in the midfield trio. Ød^[1][5][6]egaard, who looked sharp on his return in midweek, will be crucial in dictating play and linking with the attack. Zubi^[5][6]mendi has consistently delivered solid performances at the base of midfield, a role he is expected to maintain against Villa. Shou^[5][6]ld Rice not be fit to start, Mikel Merino is a strong contender to take his place. Merino has impressed recently and could offer a different dynamic in the midfield engine room. His ^[1][5][13]ability to battle in the center of the park would be vital against a robust Aston Villa side. ### Attacking Options and Form Up front, Bukayo Saka is a certainty to start on the right wing. His goal against Brentford boosted his confidence, and he will look to continue his scoring form. On t^[5][6]he left flank, Eberechi Eze is favored to start. Gabriel Martinelli was less involved in the last game, and Leandro Trossard is still recovering from a muscle injury, though Arteta indicated Trossard is a "matter of days" away from a return. Eze ^[6][9][8]has previously been deployed on the left by Arteta and could offer creativity and directness. The^[6] central attacking role is also a point of discussion. Mikel Merino has been successfully deployed as a makeshift center-forward in recent weeks, with Premier League defenses struggling to contain his aerial threat and movement. He w^[1][6]as among the goals in the midweek fixture. Alte^[6]rnatively, Viktor Gyökeres is another option at striker, having been kept at bay by Merino in recent selections. Gabri^[5][13]el Jesus and Noni Madueke are likely to be available from the bench, offering attacking depth. Kai H^[13]avertz remains sidelined with a knee injury and is not expected to feature until the new year. ### ^{[1][9][12][11]}Aston Villa Challenge and Form Arsenal faces a formidable challenge against Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who are in excellent form. Villa currently sit third in the Premier League table, just six points behind league-leading Arsenal. They ^[1][2]have recovered from a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign, securing six consecutive wins across all competitions, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brighton midweek. Ollie^[1][2] Watkins, who scored a brace against Brighton, has an impressive record against Arsenal and will be a key threat. Mike^[1]l Arteta's side has a mixed record against Aston Villa, winning only one of their previous four meetings. Their struggles in this fixture reportedly contributed to them missing out on the Premier League title in the 2023-24 season. Arsen^[1]al remains unbeaten since a 1-0 loss at Anfield in August, showcasing their resilience and consistency. This ^[1]match at Villa Park is crucial for Arsenal's title aspirations, as they aim to maintain their five-point cushion at the summit. The ^[2]final lineup will reflect Arteta's assessment of player fitness and tactical requirements to counter Aston Villa's strong home form. The ability of key players like Rice and Saliba to feature could significantly influence Arsenal's approach and overall performance in this pivotal encounter.

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