Arteta could make seven changes for Everton after Bayern thriller
Mikel Arteta is set for a major squad rotation this weekend, with football.london predicting as many as seven changes to Arsenal's starting lineup when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday night, a result that ended a 14 game unbeaten run in the competition's league phase stretching back three years, but one that still leaves Arsenal among just eight unbeaten sides in this season's tournament. With only two days to recover before facing Everton, compared to David Moyes having a full week to prepare his side, wholesale changes look likely.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
Changes expected across the back line
According to football.london, David Raya is expected to continue in goal regardless of rotation elsewhere, with neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Illan Meslier viewed as alternatives at this stage of the season.
In defence, Myles Lewis-Skelly could come in for Riccardo Calafiori at left back, while Ben White may replace Jurrien Timber at right back. With William Saliba still out of action, Gabriel Magalhaes is tipped to continue at centre back, with Cristhian Mosquera potentially coming in to give Ezri Konsa a rest.
Midfield and attacking reshuffle
football.london also reports that Declan Rice could be rested, with Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi forming a midfield pairing instead. Martin Odegaard is expected to retain his place in the side, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze potentially coming in on the flanks, the latter replacing the injured Bukayo Saka. Max Dowman has also been mentioned as a possible option off the bench given the limited attacking alternatives available to Arteta.
Up front, Viktor Gyokeres is being tipped to start ahead of Kai Havertz after what was described as an impressive showing against Bayern Munich, with Havertz reportedly a little off the pace in Munich. Everton are expected to set up in a low block similar to Bayern's approach in Germany, a scenario in which Gyokeres linked well with Rice before the equaliser.
Everton eager to respond
Everton head into the weekend having suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season, a 2-0 loss to Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last time out. With Manchester City already three points clear at the top of the table, Arsenal will be wary of underestimating a Toffees side with a point to prove, even amid a heavy rotation.
Saturday's fixture will also be followed quickly by a Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night, giving Arteta further opportunity to manage his squad's workload through what is becoming an increasingly congested fixture schedule.
