Arsenal's Gael Clichy returns after a hamstring problem, but Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas face late fitness tests. Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen, who was on the bench against Stoke, could make his first appearance since injuring his Achilles in September.
Aston Villa's Jean Makoun is back after missing two games with a dead leg, but Ciaran Clark remains sidelined.
Gabriel Agbonlahor missed out last weekend because of illness, and could return in place of Emile Heskey.
Arsenal
Doubtful: Fabregas (thigh), Nasri (hamstring)
Injured: Bartley (knee), Diaby (calf), Eastmond (ankle), Fabianski (shoulder), Mannone (thigh)
Aston Villa
Injured: Clark (hamstring)
Head-to-head
• Aston Villa have lost 15 of their last 24 league games away to Arsenal (W1, D8, L15).
Arsenal
• Arsene Wenger's side have won two of their last nine league games (W2, D5, L2).
• Robin van Persie has scored 19 goals in 21 games for Arsenal in 2011.
• The Emirates is the only stadium yet to see a Premier League goal scored from outside the penalty area this season (according to Opta).
• Maroaune Chamakh has not scored a Premier League goal since netting in the Gunners' 4-2 win at Villa Park on 27 November, a run of 12 top-flight matches.
• According to Opta statistics, 57% of the Premier League goals Arsenal have conceded this season came from set-pieces - the highest proportion in the top flight.
Aston Villa
• Villa have dropped 26 points from winning positions this season, more than any other Premier League side.
• They have not kept a top-flight clean sheet away from home since winning 2-0 at Hull on 21 April 2010.
• Gabriel Agbonlahor needs one goal to reach 50 in the Premier League.