Nicolas Pepe comes in for Emile Smith Rowe while Kieran Tierney and Pablo Mari also start as Arsenal gear up to take on Manchester City at the Emirates.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made several changes to the side that started against SL Benfica in midweek for the Premier League clash against Manchester City.
There are as many as three alterations in defence as Rob Holding and Pablo Mari get the nod in place of Brazilian duo David Luiz and Gabriel Magalhaes. At left-back Kieran Tierney, who made his return from injury in midweek, comes in to replace Cedric Soares. Hector Bellerin and Bernd Leno retain their places in the side.
? Today's team news is in!
??????? @KieranTierney1 starts
??????? @RobHolding95 returns
?? @PabloMV5 will partner him#️⃣ #ARSMCI
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 21, 2021
There is another change in the middle of the park with Mohamed Elneny getting a rare start for Arsenal. The Egyptian midfielder replaces Dani Ceballos in the side to partner Granit Xhaka in the double pivot. On-loan star Martin Odegaard continues as the No. 10 for the Gunners against Manchester City.
Coming to the attacking unit, Nicolas Pepe features from kick-off against the Cityzens, with the Ivory Coast international coming in at the expense of Emile Smith Rowe. Bukayo Saka holds on to his place on the right flank while captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spearheads the Arsenal attack against Manchester City.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Pepe, Aubameyang.