Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon in a clash they must win to keep their Premier League title chase alive.
Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Fulham left the Gunners six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. With the margin for error now razor-thin, Mikel Arteta knows his men must deliver.
The Arsenal boss shuffles his pack from the side that eased past Monaco 3-0 in the Champions League, but David Raya keeps his spot in goal. A timely lift comes in defence with Gabriel Magalhaes cleared to return, resuming his partnership alongside William Saliba. Myles Lewis-Skelly retains his place at left-back after an outstanding midweek display, forcing Jakub Kiwior to drop out.
Jurrien Timber continues at right-back with Ben White still sidelined, while Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori remain unavailable. Declan Rice anchors midfield alongside Mikel Merino, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho on the bench. Captain Martin Odegaard will once again be tasked with unlocking Everton’s defence.
Bukayo Saka, fresh from scoring twice against Monaco, starts on the right, Gabriel Martinelli takes the left, and Kai Havertz leads the line as Gabriel Jesus makes way.
For Everton, Jordan Pickford starts in goal with Jarrod Branthwaite partnering James Tarkowski at the back. Dominic Calvert-Lewin spearheads the attack.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Subs: Neto, Tierney, Kiwior, Partey, Jorginho, Trossard, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.
Everton: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Mangala, Gana, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
Subs: Virgínia, Patterson, Keane, O’Brien, Coleman, Lindstrøm, Armstrong, Beto, Broja.