Two-time English champion Paul Merson believes Arsenal’s chances of beating Aston Villa depend heavily on the availability of midfielder Declan Rice.
Rice, along with Cristhian Mosquera, came off with potential injuries in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday night.
Following Rice and Mosquera’s injuries, Mikel Arteta has six first-team players sidelined.
Arsenal’s defence has been the worst-hit, with the first-choice centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba both out injured.
Despite having so many absentees, Arsenal have shown clear improvement in like-for-like Premier League fixtures compared to last season.
This season, they have taken 33 points from the matches they have played, nine more than they did in 2024/25.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction: Merson Says Rice Is Key
In his Aston Villa vs Arsenal prediction, Paul Merson said the Gunners’ injuries would decide Saturday’s game at Villa Park.
He singled out midfield general Declan Rice, claiming his availability was crucial for the visitors.
“The outcome of this game depends on Arsenal’s injuries,” Merson wrote (via Sportskeeda).
“Cristhian Mosquera and Declan Rice limped off with knocks in the win over Brentford.
“Arsenal are playing a team that is one of the most in-form sides in this league.”
Voted for by the supporters across the UK…
Declan Rice is the FSA Men's Player of the Year 🌟
Well deserved, Dec 👏 pic.twitter.com/rBgY3UgkzH
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 1, 2025
He continued:
“Aston Villa have won eight of their last nine games. Unai Emery’s men also produced a great comeback away from home against Brighton to win 4-3 in their last outing.
“If Rice isn’t fit for this game, I don’t see Arsenal winning!”
Merson Claims Villa Are Not Title Contenders
Unai Emery’s side have bounced back after a poor start to the Premier League season, registering four consecutive wins.
Their strong showings have buoyed them to third place in the league table.
They are now six points behind leaders Arsenal and trailing second-placed Manchester City by one.
Despite Villa’s strong showings, Paul Merson does not think they can challenge for the title, even if they beat Arsenal on Saturday.
Merson added:
“Villa have been outstanding and will be confident after their win over Brighton. But are they title contenders if they get a result against Arsenal this weekend? I don’t think so.
More history for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa 🫡 pic.twitter.com/28Tc8au3Ni
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 3, 2025
“Top four will be the aim for Villa. With all due respect to the run Villa have enjoyed recently, some of the teams they faced were in the bottom half of the table.
“It’s still incredible considering how poorly Villa started this season. However, calling them title contenders isn’t right.”
He wrapped up his predictions, writing:
“This is a hard game for Arsenal. They lost at this ground in the season before the last one, despite dominating Villa.
“I’m going for an Arsenal win in the hope that Rice is fit, but a 1-1 draw if he is unavailable!”
Merson’s Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal
