Predicted Arsenal line-up to face Everton: Who starts for the Gunners?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s strike on either side of the halfway mark, coupled with goals from Mesut Ozil and  Danny Welbeck, ensured the Gunners claimed all three points from their Europa League opener against Ukrainian outfit Vorskla. Arsenal were impressive in the comprehensive 4-2 victory as manager Unai Emery made quite a few changes to his first-team line-up.

After a tough start to the season, Arsenal have finally settled down in the Premier League with three back-to-back wins against West Ham United, Cardiff City, and Newcastle United. They dominated large quarters of the game against Newcastle last weekend and the Gunners must continue their winning run when they host Everton on Sunday.

Team News

Lucas Torreira and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are doubtful to feature on Sunday due to the knee and ankle injuries respectively. However, both the injuries are minor and the duo will face a late fitness test at the weekend.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac and Laurent Koscielny continue their recovery from long-term injuries. Apart from that, Unai Emery will have his entire set of players to choose from.

Predicted Arsenal XI to face Everton

Manager: Unai Emery

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Petr Cech (GK)

The former Chelsea man has made some important saves for Arsenal this season and he should replace Bernd Leno in goal. Although Emery went in with Leno in the Europa League, he should hand Cech another start in the Premier League.

Hector Bellerin (RB)

The Spaniard was a bit sloppy initially but looked solid at the back against Newcastle. Should start ahead of the veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Sokratis (CB)

He has been Arsenal’s most trusted man at the back and had another good game against Vorskla. Must retain his position in the line-up.

Rob Holding (CB)

The youngster had a decent game in the Europa League and it is high time for Emery to make a brave call and bench Shkodran Mustafi, who has been Arsenal’s weakest link in the defence.

Nacho Monreal (LB)

The Spaniard was solid at the back against Vorskla and contributed to the attack with some intelligent overlapping runs. Given that Arsenal do not have another left-back who is fit to play, Emery must hand him a start.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

The Swiss international seems to have regained his lost touch and scored from a brilliant free-kick against Newcastle. Should start ahead of Mohamed Elneny, who played the Europa League game.

Matteo Guendouzi (CM)

The Frenchman has shown signs of promise in the Premier League this season. Although he has come under scrutiny due to his lack of positional sense, he has impressed with his work rate – pressing the opposition and winning the ball with solid tackles and interceptions. Emery should hand him a start ahead of Lucas Torreira, given that the Uruguayan might not be fit enough to start on Sunday.

 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)

The former Borussia Dortmund man has finally found his feet in the Premier League and scored a brace in the Europa League fixture. He is Arsenal’s most potent weapon in the final third and Emery should start him ahead of Alex Iwobi.

Mesut Ozil (RW)

The German wizard seems to have rediscovered his mojo. He scored against Newcastle last weekend and followed it up with another goal in the Europa League tie. Emery must start Ozil ahead of Danny Welbeck.

Aaron Ramsey (CAM)

The Welshman looked a fatigued last weekend and was rested for the Europa League game. However, Henrikh Mkhitaryan picked up a minor ankle injury which might force him to start from the bench.

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Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

The Frenchman has adapted his game well to suit the new manager’s style of play. He has been a lively presence in the final third and scored against Cardiff. Emery should start him to keep the partnership with Aubameyang going.‘