Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups as hosts look to keep up title chase

Right, it’s nearly team news time. Does Raheem Sterling continue in Arsenal’s front three or does Mikel Arteta have another option up his sleeve?

Chelsea have been cast 10 points adrift following a poor run, while champions Manchester City are a dozen points back, having played one game more than Liverpool.

Arsenal’s women, meanwhile, are under new management – sort of. Renee Slegers could have done little more to earn the role on a full-time basis during her interim stint and has been confirmed as Jonas Eidevall’s permanent successor. Jamie Braidwood has the story:

Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly said he was determined to impress on his north London derby debut because he did not want to “look soft” in front of his grandmother.

Lewis-Skelly, 18, followed Cesc Fabregas to become Arsenal’s youngest player to start against Tottenham in two decades, and the left-back turned in an eye-catching display at the Emirates to help his side secure a 2-1 comeback win that keeps their Premier League dream alive.

Lewis-Skelly only made his first appearance for Arsenal as a late substitute against Manchester City in September, but he has now started seven of the club’s last nine matches.

Declan Rice hailed Lewis-Skelly’s performance against Spurs as “scary”, “ridiculous” and “unbelievable”. And the defender told Optus Sport: “My mum, my grandma, my friends (were at the game). And I had to put on a show for my grandma, to make sure that I did not look soft in front of her. I had to make sure I was winning my tackles for her, and hopefully she is proud of me.

“The match was amazing, and everything that lived up to my dreams. I couldn’t believe it. I just had to take in every moment and every second. Honestly, it was amazing, and it is moments like this that we live for.”

Saka had been Arsenal’s star performer this season with nine goals and 13 assists prior to the hamstring injury he sustained in last month’s win against Crystal Palace.

The 23-year-old England international has been ruled out until at least March following surgery on the muscle tear.

But he was back at the Emirates for the first time – albeit on crutches – for Arsenal’s crucial comeback win against Tottenham on Wednesday.

However, when asked if he is happy for Saka to jet off on holiday, Arteta replied: “Yes, he needs to.”

Law won two league titles with United and was a member of their European Cup-winning side under Sir Matt Busby in 1968 when they became the first English club to lift the trophy.

A short family statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”

There was sad news late on Friday night with the passing of Denis Law, a fine footballer and fine man. Richard Jolly charts the life of a Manchester United and Scotland great.

And you can follow all of the latest twists and turns in the transfer market with our live coverage throughout January.

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa. Amid an injury crisis, Mikel Arteta’s men revived their title hopes with a midweek derby win over Tottenham, but face another tough test against a side that knocked them off course last season.

Kick off is at 5.30pm GMT.