Seven changes predicted for Arsenal vs Everton as Arteta eyes rotation
Mikel Arteta could shuffle his Arsenal pack by as many as seven places when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with the Gunners having had only two days to recover from Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
That result saw Arsenal's 14 game unbeaten run in the competition's league phase come to an end, but the north London side remain one of just eight teams yet to lose in the tournament this season and climbed into the top eight of the table in the process. David Moyes's Everton, by contrast, have had a full week on the training ground to prepare, and arrive at the Emirates looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea last weekend, their first loss of the Premier League campaign.
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 the publication suggesting neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Illan Meslier are currently at the level required.
At full back, Myles Lewis-Skelly could come in for Riccardo Calafiori, while Ben White may replace Jurrien Timber on the right. With William Saliba still unavailable, Gabriel Magalhaes is tipped to continue at centre back alongside Cristhian Mosquera, who would come in for Ezri Konsa.
Midfield and attacking reshuffle
Declan Rice could be given a breather, with Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi touted as the midfield pairing to anchor things against Everton. Martin Odegaard is expected to retain his place as captain, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze potentially coming in on the flanks, the latter replacing the injured Bukayo Saka. Max Dowman is also mentioned as a potential option off the bench given the limited attacking alternatives available to Arteta.
Up front, Viktor Gyokeres is tipped to start ahead of Kai Havertz after an impressive showing against Bayern Munich in midweek. Havertz was reportedly below his best in Munich, and with Everton likely to sit in a low block, a different profile through the middle could offer something fresh, particularly given how well Gyokeres linked up with Rice to equalise against the Bundesliga champions.
A balancing act for Arteta
With Manchester City already three points clear at the top of the Premier League table, wholesale changes carry some risk, especially against an Everton side with a point to prove after back to back winless results. Arteta will have to weigh squad freshness against the need for continued points in the title race.
Saturday's lineup, whatever its final shape, will offer an early look at how Arteta intends to manage his squad through a congested run of fixtures that also includes a Carabao Cup tie against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.
