ARSENAL face Aston Villa TODAY in another huge clash for their Premier League title ambitions.
And the headline team news is that injured Thomas Partey misses out again for the Gunners, while Leandro Trossard makes his first start in place of Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners could briefly jump back to the top of the table with a win – but they haven't won in their last three Prem games following the 3-1 loss to Man City on Wednesday which saw Pep Guardiola's men leapfrog them to the summit.
City take on Nottingham Forest following the match at 3pm this afternoon.
- Kick-off: 12.30pm
- TV channel: BT Sport 1
- Live stream: BT Sport website and app
- Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Alex Moreno; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Kamara, Coutinho; Buendia, Watkins
- Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Trossard, Nketiah
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- Lloyd Canfield
Coutinho back for Villa
As for Villa, it is Phillipe Coutinho who comes back into the side for Unai Emery, with Leon Bailey dropping out of the side.
The Brazilian has impeccable talent, which is undeniable, but he has not lit the league up as of yet in an Aston Villa shirt.
We have seen him have some sublime Premier League moments from Coutinho, and we could just have another in store from him today…
Phillipe Coutinho starts for Villa against Arsenal todayCredit: Getty - Lloyd Canfield
He's not the only one
Martinelli is not the only one to lose his place in the side today, as Mikel Arteta has also dropped Takehiro Tomiyasu for Ben White, after the Japanese full-back had something of a howler against Man City.
It was he who gifted the opener to Kevin De Bruyne, before a Jack Grealish strike took a deflection off of him to beat Aaron Ramsdale.
He has been a good player for Arsenal overall, but Ben White has been a more solid performer, and comes back into the team for today's game.
- Lloyd Canfield
Gabriel Martinelli dropped
Well it was a first start for Jorginho in the loss to Man City in midweek, but today sees another new face make his first start.
That new face is Leandro Trossard, who has made a good impact since moving from Brighton to The Gunners.
He has made a few appearances already off the bench in replacement of Martinelli, but today he starts instead of the Brazilian.
- Lloyd Canfield
Aston Villa's line-up…
This is how Villa line up at home to Arsenal…
Aston Villa's line-up as they look to beat Arsenal at home - Lloyd Canfield
Arsenal's starting XI:
This is how Arsenal line-up away to Aston Villa…
Arsenal's line-up to face Aston Villa - Lloyd Canfield
Predictions?
This is a tough one to call, as we said Aston Villa are a different side under Unai Emery to the one that looked like relegation candidates for a while…
Will it be Odegaard who lights up Villa Park with his electric skill and clinical passing?
Or will it be an Ollie Watkins break that grabs Villa a 1-0 win at home?
You just can't call it.
However, we are going to back The Gunners to come out on top in this one.
You cannot bet against their sensational form this season, can you?
Let us know who you think is going to come out on top…
- Lloyd Canfield
What are the odds?
This is how the betting looks ahead of today's huge clash, as Arsenal seek to return to their place at the top of the table.
They are definitely in Arsenal's favour as you would expect, but don't be surprised if they drop points to Villa today…
- Aston Villa 7/2
- The draw 27/10
- Arsenal 5/6
These odds are correct as of the time of publication according to Betfair.
Return of the mack
'Good ebening…'
Unai Emery is back to haunt Arsenal, as the ex-Gunners boss takes charge of Aston Villa for today's game against the league leaders.
It was the Spanish coach who handed debut's to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe, three players who have been vital in Arsenal becoming the force we see today.
He is without doubt an extremely good, and experienced coach, who will do all he can to stop his old side today.
If he does so, it will be a very 'good ebening' for The Villains.
Welcome to Aston Villa vs Arsenal!
Hello and welcome to SunSport's live coverage of Aston Villa vs Arsenal in the Premier League!
It's a massive day in the title race as Mikel Arteta's side aim to go back to the summit of the Premier League table.
They will be back at the top if they win this game, but it may not be for very long if Manchester City get the better of Nottingham Forest in the 3pm kick-off.
The last time the two sides met, Arsenal won 2-1 at the Emirates, with Gabriel Martinelli netting the winner.
And they'll be the favourites again today.
They've to watch out for Villa however, as they have become a much better side since the club appointed Unai Emery, with Ollie Watkins in particularly good form.
You're in for a cracker whichever way I spin it, so kick back with a cold one and enjoy the action – we've got you covered.
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