Ainsley Maitland-Niles coming in for Thomas Partey is Mikel Arteta’s only change for the Watford clash, while Kieran Tierney is on the bench.
Arsenal are aiming to keep the momentum heading into the Emirates as they host Watford. Mikel Arteta has decided to keep things largely the same and has named only one change as Ainsley Maitland-Niles comes in for Thomas Partey in midfield.
Kieran Tierney, who missed the previous two fixtures, returned to training this week and put himself in contention for a start. Arteta felt it might be a little soon for the left-back to come in and has decided to stick with Nuno Tavares, who has been exceptional so far.
The same backline from recent victories over Aston Villa and Leicester City starts against Watford. Aaron Ramsdale is the current undisputed choice in goal, while Gabriel and Ben White keep their partnership going at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Tavares starts at left-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu continues at right-back.
? Here’s how we line up for #ARSWAT…
? @MaitlandNiles starts in midfield
? @KieranTierney returns to squad
? @LacazetteAlex and @Auba up top— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 7, 2021
Maitland-Niles will partner Albert Sambi Lokonga in central midfield as Partey is ruled out of the clash altogether. Mohamed Elneny is an option from the bench if needed. Emile Smith Rowe starts on the left-wing, with Bukayo Saka keeping his position on the right-hand side; both youngsters have recently excelled in their respective roles.
Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continue their partnership as the front two for Arsenal. Nicolas Pepe and Martin Odegaard are again consigned to the bench for the third game running.
Arsenal Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares, Saka, Maitland-Niles, Lokonga, Smith Rowe, Lacazette, Aubameyang
