Aston Villa lineup vs. Arsenal: Predicted XI for Premier League clash, as Unai Emery replaces Cash and Kamara

On Dec 28, 2025

In a bid to extend an incredible streak of success, Aston Villa will aim to level the points with Premier League leader Arsenal when two of England’s top three clash on Tuesday evening.

However, former Gunner Unai Emery is expected to make at least two changes to the side which secured an eighth consecutive victory in the top flight at the weekend; in all competitions, Villa’s winning streak reached 11 consecutive games after a spirited fightback against Chelsea.

Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara both triggered one-match suspensions by being booked at Stamford Bridge, so Amadou Onana is expected to replace the latter in central midfield.

Meanwhile, Lamare Bogarde could replace Cash at right-back, as Andres Garcia has hardly played this season. Replacements Ezri Konsa and Victor Lindelof are needed at center, as Emery still misses injured left-handers Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres, who join Ross Barkley on the sidelines.

Ivory Coast striker Evann Guessand is out for the Africa Cup of Nations, but the Villans have several options to choose from in attack, where their replacements changed the game against Chelsea.

Villa’s match-winner Ollie Watkins is expected to propel former Arsenal player Donyell Malen into the top spot, having scored twice in 20 minutes on Saturday night, following his introduction from the bench.