The spotlight is shining brightly on North London tonight as Arsenal hosts a familiar face in former manager Unai Emery. Emery’s Aston Villa team has a strong track record at the Emirates, boasting two victories in their last three visits.

Villa’s season began on a sluggish note, with their first league goal arriving only in their fourth match. However, they have since gained momentum and now appear to be serious contenders for the title as the new year approaches.

Conversely, Arsenal has found their groove, both defensively and offensively, at a pivotal point in their campaign. Following a loss to Villa earlier this month, the Gunners have embarked on a winning streak, securing victories in their last five matches across all competitions.

The question arises: which players from Emery’s squad have made a strong enough impact to secure a spot in Sofascore’s combined best XI for the 2025-26 season so far? And which players from Arteta’s high-flying squad hold onto their places as Arsenal continues to build momentum as league favorites?

The lineup for this analysis is set in a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper 

Emiliano Martinez (Goalkeeper)

Between the sticks is former Arsenal man Emiliano Martinez, who, despite being part of a transfer saga in the summer which resulted in awkward Emery post-match interview, has proven to be indispensable for Villa.

Sofascore’s average rating places the World Cup winner ahead of David Raya, despite the latter’s heroics last time out against Brighton. 

Martinez’s distribution, often overlooked, has become a key part of Villa’s build-up, allowing Emery’s side to beat opponents’ press.

Having already frustrated Arsenal in previous meetings, Martinez will return to the Emirates full of confidence and with a point to prove.

Sofascore rating: 7.04 

Defence  

Jurrien Timber (RB)

At right-back is Jurrien Timber, whose return from a long-term knee injury has instantly restored Arsenal’s versatility at the back and fluency in possession.

The Dutchman is crucial for Arteta, due to his ability to tuck inside to form a double pivot alongside Declan Rice, but also to overlap and stretch opposition back lines.

Timber’s press resistance allows Arsenal to play through pressure, while his pace in recovery protects the space left behind when Calafiori steps into midfield on the opposite flank.

Sofascore rating: 7.02

William Saliba (RCB)

William Saliba has been at the heart of a defence that has been the bedrock of Arteta’s side in recent years. This is evidenced by Arsenal’s defensive stats, with the Gunners conceding just 11 goals in 18 Premier League games this season.

Saliba’s reading of the game remains world-class and it is no surprise that he tops Arsenal’s squad for successful defensive actions.

His calmness under pressure allows Arsenal to maintain control, especially with full-backs, Timber and Calafiori pushing high.

Sofascore rating: 7.27 

Gabriel Magalhaes (LCB)

Following his appearance off the bench in the Gunners’ 2-1 win against Brighton, Gabriel could start his first game in nearly two months.

The return of the Brazilian is a huge boost for Arteta’s backline, with his anticipation in duels and aggression in tackles giving Arsenal extra defensive bite.

Gabriel is also a significant threat from set-pieces – forcing opponents to adjust how they defend them. 

His partnership with Saliba remains the foundation of Arsenal’s solidity at the back.

Sofascore rating: 7.27 

Riccardo Calafiori (LB)

Calafiori edges into the XI at left back, despite some doubts over his fitness following an injury in the warm-up against Brighton.

Nonetheless his forward runs and technical ability offer priceless balance to the back line of this XI, placing him ahead of Villa’s Ian Maatsen in Sofascore’s combined team.

Calafiori’s confidence carrying the ball out from deep gives Arsenal another route to play through pressure, while his effective left-footed delivery adds variation to their crosses.

With just three goals conceded in Arsenal’s last five games, it is no surprise no Villa defender breaks into this back-line of this XI.

Sofascore rating: 6.87 

Midfield

Youri Tielemans (RCM)

Youri Tielemans thrives when given freedom to roam into attacking spaces, and Emery has unlocked that side of his game.

He also ranks among Villa’s top creators for assists, with three already this season. 

His chemistry with Morgan Rogers has improved Villa’s chance creation, and his risk-taking passes make him a natural partner for Rice and Kamara.

Tielemans brings imagination to this XI’s midfield, which is otherwise built on control.

Sofascore rating: 7.10 

Boubacar Kamara (CM)

Before his injury, Boubacar Kamara was Emery’s most important connective midfielder, acting as the glue between defence and attack. 

His press resistance allows Villa to play through pressure, while his defensive coverage enables fullbacks to push high.

Additionally, his ability to distribute the ball from deep areas of the pitch allows attacking players to thrive in Unai emery’s side.

In a midfield alongside Rice, Kamara would provide balance, allowing the ball to progress without losing structure and defensive cover.

It is a huge blow for Emery that the Frenchman is suspended for this match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Chelsea at the weekend. 

Sofascore rating: 7.11 

Declan Rice (LCM)

One of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders, it is no surprise that Declan Rice has the highest Sofascore rating in this XI. 

His impressive passing range allows Arsenal to break lines with ease, while his anticipation and positioning repeatedly stop opposition counter-attacks from developing.

He also contributes goals, with two goals and three assists in the league this season. This adds another essential element to both his and Arsenal’s game.

Rice has dominated midfield battles since joining the Gunners in the summer of 2023, contributing to Arsenal’s success in controlling territory and suffocating pressure. 

He earns his place comfortably in this XI uncontested and with authority.

Sofascore rating: 7.42 

Forwards  

Bukayo Saka (RW)

Bukayo Saka remains Arsenal’s primary attacking outlet and creative engine. His 7.36 Sofascore rating is among the highest in this XI, beaten only by Declan Rice.

He is recognised as one of the elite forwards in the Premier League thanks to his goals, assists, and relentless ball progression.

Whether cutting inside to shoot or going wide to cross, Saka provides threat and unpredictability and remains among the league’s best attackers.

Sofascore rating: 7.36 

Morgan Rogers (ST)

The emergence of Rogers as a central figure in Villa’s attack has been one of the most important aspects of Emery’s side this season. 

His two impressive strikes in the 2-1 win against Manchester United at Villa Park just before Christmas proved how dangerous he can be.

With seven goals and three assists in the league, Rogers ranks first for goals and joint-first for assists for Villa this season. 

His ball-carrying ability sees him successfully turn counter-attacks into structured build-up sequences.

His performance in Villa’s comeback against Arsenal earlier this month showcased his ability to unsettle organised defences and merits his place in this XI, although he is featuring in a slightly unfamiliar role. 

Sofascore rating: 6.96 

Eberechi Eze (LW)

Since choosing the red side of North London in the summer, Eberechi Eze has injected flair, unpredictability, and impressive ball-carrying ability into Arteta’s side.

Beyond his dribbling, Eze’s vision and intelligence in the final third have allowed him to link play seamlessly, often creating spaces where none seem to exist.

His close control under pressure and ability to glide past markers gives this XI a creative outlet from the left.

Sofascore rating: 7.14