Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Preview, predictions and lineups

There could be huge moves at the top of the Premier League table on Sunday when title-chasing Arsenal host top-four hopefuls Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners head into this round of fixtures top of the standings and in control of their own destiny, but a single slip-up could see them fall as low as third if both Liverpool and Manchester City pick up results elsewhere.

As for Villa, their crushing 3-3 draw with Brentford last time out saw Unai Emery’s side lose control in the race for the top four, and they are now relying on a slump from Tottenham Hotspur in what appears set to be a two-horse race for fourth place.

Here’s all you need to know about this one.

Current Form (all competitions)

Mikel Arteta declined to offer much of an update on the fitness of centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who played the full 90 minutes against Bayern Munich after shaking off an injury scare and is likely to retain his place in the team.

Namesake Gabriel Jesus admitted recently that he cannot remember the last time he played without pain, but without any fresh developments at this stage of the season, don’t expect him to spend any time on the sidelines.

Long-term absentee Jurrien Timber remains unavailable.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Midfielder Douglas Luiz, a target for Arsenal in the transfer window, will miss out through suspension, which could force an entire rethink for Emery if John McGinn is pushed into a deeper midfield role to cover.

Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Matty Cash and Jacob Ramsey all remain unavailable for selection.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne;…