Mikel Arteta could opt for a slightly different approach against Everton, especially with fixture congestion and the need to maintain balance between control and attacking threat.
Everton are known for their physicality, defensive discipline, and threat from set pieces under Sean Dyche, so Arsenal may prioritise stability at the back while still keeping enough creativity to break down a compact defence.
In goal, David Raya is expected to retain his place. Arteta has shown full trust in the Spanish goalkeeper, particularly for his distribution and calmness under pressure, which will be vital against Everton’s high press and aerial approach.
Defensively, Arsenal may shuffle their options. Ben White could return at right-back to add composure and overlap on the flank, while William Saliba remains an automatic starter at centre-back due to his consistency and dominance in duels. Gabriel Magalhães is likely to partner him, especially given Everton’s reliance on crosses and long balls. On the left, Jurrien Timber could start ahead of Zinchenko for his defensive solidity and ability to deal with physical wingers.
In midfield, Arteta might set up with a more conservative double pivot. Declan Rice would anchor the midfield, tasked with breaking up play and protecting the back four. Alongside him, Martin Zubimendi could start to dictate tempo and help Arsenal maintain possession in tight spaces. This pairing allows Arsenal to control the game while limiting Everton’s counter-attacking opportunities.
Further forward, Martin Ødegaard remains the creative heartbeat of the side. As captain, he will be crucial in unlocking Everton’s low block with his movement, passing, and pressing intensity. On the wings, Bukayo Saka is almost certain to start on the right, offering directness and goal threat, while Gabriel Martinelli could come in on the left to stretch the pitch with pace and aggressive runs in behind.
Up front, Arteta may rotate his striker options by starting Gabriel Jesus as a nine or central forward. His aerial ability, link-up play, and pressing could be useful against Everton’s physical centre-backs, while also allowing midfield runners to attack the box.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs Everton:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel,Jurrien Timber; Rice, Zubimendi; Ødegaard; Saka, Martinelli; Gabriel Jesus