Arsenal welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates on Saturday 27 September 2026 (12:30 BST). The Gunners sit joint-top on 15 points after fighting back to win 2–1 at the Amex in GW5; Villa come off a bounce-back 3–0 win over Coventry that followed their GW5 loss at Spurs. Saka (41 FPL points) and Gyökeres face Villa's strengthened defence in the GW6 lunchtime clash.
Arsenal: the story so far
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal delivered away at Brighton in GW5 — 2–1 with Gyökeres opening and Saka's curler sealing three points. Five games, 15 points, five different scorers: the depth is the story. Arsenal have conceded just one goal in five league games — a record no other club in the division can match. Home to Villa is an opportunity to go three clear of Liverpool and apply pressure on City before they travel to Anfield.
Arsenal Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-3-3
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Aston Villa: the story so far
Unai Emery's Villa rebounded with a 3–0 Coventry demolition in midweek but that was a League Cup fixture — league form shows only 7 points from five games. Watkins (28 FPL pts) and Duran lead the attack; McGinn and Onana drive from deep against Arsenal's high press. Away at the Emirates is Villa's stiffest assignment of the season so far.
Facts to know
- Arsenal are joint-1st on 15 points (10 scored, 1 conceded) through GW5 — best defensive record in the league.
- Last time out (GW5): Brighton 1–2 Arsenal — Gyökeres goal, Saka winner.
- Arsenal's leading FPL asset: Saka (41 pts, £9.5m, 29.4% owned).
- Aston Villa are 8th on 7 points (8 scored, 9 conceded) through GW5.
- Last time out (GW5): Tottenham 2–1 Aston Villa — Villa losing their second successive away fixture.
- Villa's leading FPL asset: Watkins (28 pts, £9.0m, 11.2% owned).
- Arsenal have kept four clean sheets in five games — Raya is the safest premium GK in the game.
- Gyökeres and Saka have combined for seven PL goals + assists in five games — the most prolific attacking pair in the league.
- Arsenal have won their last five home fixtures against Aston Villa in all competitions.
The decisive contest
Arsenal's press triggers off Eze and Saka cutting inside vs Villa's attempt to build through Kamara — the key battle is in the defensive thirds: Rice and Ødegaard will pin Villa's midfield, making space for Saka and Gyökeres on the break.
Head-to-head
Arsenal won both league meetings against Villa last season; the Emirates has been a fortress in 2026/27 — no goals conceded in three home games. Villa's away record (1W 2L) makes this a tough pitch.
FPL picks to watch
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, FWD): 41 FPL pts — home lunchtime fixture, on set pieces and through balls.
- Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal, FWD): 35 pts — opens as striker at the Emirates, clinical since joining in summer.
- Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal, MID): 38 pts — assists, key passes and threat from outside the box.
- Ollie Watkins (Villa, FWD): 28 pts — the lone bright spot if Villa nick an away goal.
- David Raya (Arsenal, GK): clean-sheet machine — four shut-outs in five, home to Villa.
- Predictor: Arsenal 3–1 Aston Villa.
Verdict
Arsenal's defensive record and home form make them strong favourites. Prediction: Arsenal 3–1 Aston Villa.