Arsenal faces Aston Villa in a crucial English Premier League match on December 31st at 4:15 AM. Arsenal, currently leading the league with 42 points, will be tested against Aston Villa, who are closely behind with 36 points. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the title race. Arsenal is in fine form, having won five consecutive matches across all competitions. However, their defense is weakened by injuries, with key players like Kalara. Fiori and Timber potentially sidelined, posing a challenge for their backline. Aston Villa, on the other hand, is on an impressive 11-match winning streak, with Watkins in excellent form. Nonetheless, they also face defensive concerns, with centre-back Pau Torres among those injured. Arsenal's recent record includes seven wins, two draws, and one loss in their last ten matches, indicating a strong unbeaten run. Aston Villa boasts a perfect record in their last ten matches, demonstrating remarkable performance. While Arsenal has performed well at home, Aston Villa's away form is also commendable. Aston Villa's forwards have shown great scoring ability, giving them an advantage in terms of squad strength and head-to-head records. However, their defense is seen as a weakness. The attacking abilities of Aston Villa might be a problem. This match is expected to be closely contested, but the overall strength of Arsenal is expected to prevail against Aston Villa. Recommendation: Aston Villa +1.25