Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka start but Kieran Tierney is once again absent as Arsenal get ready to take on Southampton in the Premier League.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made five changes to the side that lost their FA Cup tie against Southampton at the weekend for their Premier League meetings against the Saints later today.
Bernd Leno is retained in goal while Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Cedric Soares start in the backline once again. Gabriel Magalhaes, though, makes way for David Luiz at the heart of the Gunners’ defence. Kieran Tierney misses out once again for the visitors, with the Scotsman missing out from the matchday squad altogether.
? Five changes from Saturday
➡️ David Luiz, Partey, Smith Rowe, Saka, Lacazette
⬅️ Gabriel, Elneny, Willian, Martinelli, Nketiah#SOUARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 26, 2021
Thomas Partey comes into the side in the middle of the park, replacing Mohamed Elneny. He will partner Granit Xhaka in the double pivot while Emile Smith Rowe takes over the creative mantle in the No. 10 role from Willian. Bukayo Saka starts on the flank ahead of Gabriel Martinelli, who drops to the bench.
Nicolas Pepe is retained in the starting XI while Alexandre Lacazette replaces Eddie Nketiah as the sole striker for Arsenal against Southampton. New signing Mat Ryan has been named among the substitutes.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Cedric, Partey, Xhaka, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Saka, Lacazette.
