Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is set to return for Arsenal after nine months out with a niggling Achilles problem.
Captain Cesc Fabregas (thigh) and midfielder Samir Nasri (hamstring) face late fitness tests. Abou Diaby (calf) and Tomas Rosicky (thigh) are also out.
However, full-back Gael Clichy is available again after missing the defeat at Stoke with a hamstring problem.
Villa defender Ciaran Clark is out of the game.
Assistant manager Gary McAllister confirmed that although Clark trained for nearly a full session on Friday, he will not travel due to a niggly hamstring problem.
However, midfielder Jean Makoun does return to the squad after missing the last two matches with a dead leg injury.
Arsenal (from): Szczesny, Clichy, Djourou, Vermaelen, Sagna, Walcott, Song, Arshavin, Ramsey, Wilshere, Van Persie, Lehmann, Eboue, Chamakh, Bendtner, Denilson, Squillaci, Gibbs.
Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Walker, Collins, Dunne, L Young, Downing, Petrov, Bannan, A Young, Agbonlahor, Bent, Marshall, Heskey, Pires, Albrighton, Delph, Reo-Coker, Cuellar, Delph, Delfouneso, Makoun.
