The Gunners face Unai Emery’s side at the Emirates with just three points separating them ahead of kick-off.
Rice has played in every Premier League match this season but misses out tonight due a knee injury.
The England international started on Saturday against Brighton, dropping into a right-back role with Jurrien Timber and Ben White both missing out that afternoon.
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It had been hoped Rice would recover in time for tonight’s game but the 26-year-old has been left out of the squad.
While Arsenal are still waiting to learn the full extent of the issue, they are hopeful his absence will be a short-term one.
Rice has been in sublime form again this season (Picture: Getty)
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Mikel Arteta said: ‘Declan got a big kick in his knee at the start of the [Brighton] match… The game was too early for him to be able to consider.
‘Short-term? We think so. We’re hopeful when the swelling comes down and he can start to function, he will be fine.’
Arsenal and Villa are separated by just three points ahead of kick-off with the visitors on an exceptional run of form having won their last 11 games in the bounce, a run they have not been on since 1914.
Arsenal are already among the sides beaten by Villa in that period with Emery’s side securing a dramatic 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture in December.
After goals from Matty Cash and Leandro Trossard, Emi Buendia struck in the 95th minute to seal a huge win for the hosts.
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