Arsenal could name a near-identical lineup from the last game, with Gabriel Jesus being the only change against Everton.
Arsenal will take on a tricky opponent in Everton on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta yet to taste victory at his old stomping ground. Goodison Park has become such a difficult place for the Gunners to come in the last five years. They last tasted success here when Arsene Wenger was managing the club.
There were not many concerning questions during the pre-game press conference, as Arteta insisted, apart from Thomas Partey, ‘The rest are available.’ However, there were queries about Bukayo Saka after reports during the international break suggested the winger was carrying a calf niggle.
On Partey, Arteta said, “He’s still a few weeks away. He’s got a muscle injury and he’s progressing well but he’s still a few weeks away.” The manager then allayed fears over Bukayo Saka, and rightly so, considering the winger played regularly for England during the break.
Arteta continued, “He’s fine. He trained normally today so nothing to report there. Every player has pains or issues. That’s normal in elite sports, but nothing to worry about.” Finally, he got asked about how quickly star signing Declan Rice had adapted to his new surroundings, especially after that performance against Manchester United.
Everton vs Arsenal Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Arteta said, “Yeah, so obviously you always hope that the transition is going to be smooth and fast. But then sometimes, the reality is very different. In this case, I think it’s been really positive. I think he’s finding it really easy. I think he understood the team and our way of playing really, really fast and things are going well for him.”
Arteta finds himself in the most ideal of circumstances with his strikers. Arsenal have two in-form forwards, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, and the manager has a huge dilemma. The former has done nothing wrong to warrant a place on the bench. But the latter is showing pre-World Cup fitness levels to make an impact from the beginning.
Arteta might go with his preferred first choice in Jesus against Everton. Other than that, there have been constant criticism in the media towards Kai Havertz. The German international has done a decent job in his new midfield role but lacks confidence in the attacking third for now.
The Gunners boss will unlikely drop Havertz for the time being, and he will continue in a midfield three alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard. The backline will remain unchanged, as Aaron Ramsdale continues in goal with the same back-four that started against Manchester United. Up front, Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will complete the attacking setup, as the duo will support Jesus, who will lead the line.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
