Arteta could make seven changes to Arsenal side for Everton clash
Mikel Arteta is set to heavily rotate his Arsenal squad when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, just two days after a gruelling 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League. According to football.london, as many as seven changes could be made to the starting lineup that faced the Bavarians in Munich.
Arsenal's midweek result in Germany ended a 14 game unbeaten run in the Champions League league phase stretching back three years, but it also lifted Arteta's side into the top eight of the table. With Fleetwood Town awaiting in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and a congested festive period looming, managing fatigue among key players has become a priority.
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Changes expected across the back line and midfield
David Raya is expected to continue in goal regardless of rotation elsewhere, with football.london suggesting neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Illan Meslier are currently at the level required for a side competing on multiple fronts.
In defence, Myles Lewis-Skelly could come in for Riccardo Calafiori at left back, while Ben White may replace Jurrien Timber on the right. With William Saliba still unavailable, Gabriel Magalhaes is tipped to continue at centre back, with Cristhian Mosquera potentially coming in to give Ezri Konsa a rest.
In midfield, Declan Rice could be given a breather, with Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi touted as the pairing capable of anchoring things against Everton. Martin Odegaard is expected to retain his place as captain, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, in for the injured Bukayo Saka, completing the attacking midfield three. Max Dowman is also mentioned as a potential option off the bench given the limited attacking alternatives available to Arteta.
Gyokeres pushing Havertz for a start
Perhaps the most notable selection question concerns the centre forward position. Viktor Gyokeres impressed during Wednesday's draw with Bayern Munich, with his combination play alongside Rice helping Arsenal find an equaliser. Kai Havertz, by contrast, was described as off the pace in Munich.
With Everton expected to sit in a low block at the Emirates following their first Premier League defeat of the season, a 2-0 loss to Chelsea last weekend, a different profile up front could suit Arsenal's approach. football.london's predicted lineup has Gyokeres starting ahead of Havertz, with the suggestion that healthy competition for the striker spot would benefit both players.
Everton arrive at the Emirates under David Moyes having had a full week to prepare, in contrast to Arsenal's quick turnaround from European action. With Manchester City already three points clear at the top of the Premier League, Arteta is unlikely to treat Saturday's fixture as a straightforward opportunity to rest his entire first choice side, even with changes expected throughout the XI.
