All attention turns to the Emirates Stadium this evening for a Premier League encounter brimming with narrative. Arsenal host Aston Villa, managed by their former boss Unai Emery, in a match that could have significant implications for the title race.
A Tale of Two Form Lines
Despite a sluggish beginning to the campaign, waiting until their fourth league match to find the net, Aston Villa have transformed into genuine contenders as the new year approaches. They travel to North London with confidence, having secured two victories in their last three visits to this ground.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have hit a rich vein of form at a pivotal moment. Since suffering a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Villa Park earlier this month, Mikel Arteta's side have strung together five consecutive wins across all competitions, rediscovering their defensive resilience and attacking fluency.
The Sofascore Combined XI Breakdown
Based on average performance ratings throughout the 2025-26 season so far, Sofascore has selected a combined XI from both squads in a 4-3-3 formation. The lineup reveals some intriguing selections and highlights the key players who will be central to tonight's drama.
Goalkeeper and Defence
In goal, Emiliano Martinez gets the nod ahead of Arsenal's David Raya with a Sofascore rating of 7.04. The Villa and Argentina goalkeeper, whose summer transfer saga caused tension, has been indispensable. His distribution is now a key component in beating the press.
The back four is dominated by Arsenal players, reflecting their defensive record of just 11 goals conceded in 18 league games. Jurrien Timber (7.02) slots in at right-back, with his return from injury adding vital versatility. The central defensive pairing is the unshakeable duo of William Saliba (7.27) and Gabriel Magalhaes (7.27). Completing the defence is Arsenal's left-back Riccardo Calafiori (6.87), whose forward runs and technical quality provide crucial balance.
Midfield and Attack
The midfield three is a blend of both teams. Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans (7.10) earns his place with creative freedom and three assists this term. He is joined by his teammate Boubacar Kamara (7.11), whose role as a connective midfielder is pivotal, though he is suspended for this match. Arsenal's Declan Rice (7.42) anchors the trio, boasting the highest rating in the XI for his all-round dominance.
In attack, Bukayo Saka (7.36) claims the right-wing spot as Arsenal's primary creative force. Through the middle, Villa's breakthrough star Morgan Rogers (6.96) is selected, leading his team in both goals and assists. On the left, Arsenal's summer signing Eberechi Eze (7.14) completes the line-up, adding flair and unpredictability.
Tonight's High-Stakes Encounter
This combined XI underscores the individual quality that will be on display. The previous meeting, settled by Emiliano Buendia's dramatic late winner for Villa, captured the intensity both sides bring. With Arsenal gathering pace as league favourites and Villa proving their credentials as challengers, tonight's match promises to be another compelling chapter in this evolving rivalry. The stage is set for a tactical battle between Emery and Arteta, with every player selected aiming to prove their rating is justified.
