Aston Villa will host Arsenal in a top-of-the-table clash at Villa Park
Unai Emery's side have been high-flying both domestically and in Europe
Diego Carlos has warned the Gunners to be ready for a fight

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Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos has sent a definitive message to Arsenal ahead of their Premier League clash on December 9.

The Gunners will make the trip to Birmingham at Villa Park in what is set to be a feisty showdown in light of recent results from the two teams.

Unai Emery, Aston Villa vs Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Diego Carlos — Aston Villa manager Unai Emery. Photo by Neville Williams.
Source: Getty Images

Arsenal have taken control of the league at the top following Manchester City's run of four games without a win. Mikel Arteta will be hoping to lead his side all the way after last season's collapse towards the tail-end.

Meanwhile, Villa are non-arguably the campaign's surprise package so far, with Unai Emery overseeing a dominant season. The Villans currently sit third on the log after their historic win over Manchester City on December 6.

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Emery's side outplayed the treble winners in every department and he will be hoping for a similar performance when his former side come visiting. The Spanish tactician replaced the iconic Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium but only lasted a season in North London.

Ahead of the tantalizing clash, Carlos has warned the league leaders that they won't be scared.

"It's important to stay grounded and humble. For me, this is most important. We respect every team we play against - but we aren't scared of them," as quoted by Mirror.

The Brazilian centre-back has been a mainstay for Emery this season after recovering from the harrowing ACL injury he picked in his debut season. A similar injury to Tyronne Mings saw the former Sevilla man form a partnership with Pau Torres.