Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-4-1-1) vs Everton
Arsenal travel to Goodison Park for Monday’s Premier League encounter against Everton.
The Gunners suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss at Manchester United on Thursday. They produced a good attacking display, but were made to rue for unforced defensive errors.
Mikel Arteta will want a strong response from his players against the Toffees. The club can go within one point of the Champions League places with a victory over Rafael Benitez’s side.
Formation: 4-4-2
Predicted Line-up:
Aaron Ramsdale has been the club’s undisputed choice in goal since the September international break. He has proved his credentials with six clean sheets in the league, and will be eyeing another shut-out at Goodison Park.
In defence, Takehiro Tomiyasu should continue at right-back after a positive showing at Old Trafford. Jadon Sancho managed to outwit him on a couple of occasions, but he was solid defensively, denying United a clear-cut goal.
Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes have been Arteta’s preferred central defensive duo since September. The former’s poor clearance led to United’s equaliser at 1-1, and he has the chance to make amends on Monday.
At left-back, there could be a change with Kieran Tierney coming in for Nuno Tavares. The latter has started the last six league games, and Arteta could consider a switch with Tierney returning to the line-up.
Tavares was caught out of possession for United’s second goal, but he was barely at fault with Emile Smith Rowe producing a poor pass that was intercepted. He may still be rested as part of the rotation.
In midfield, Thomas Partey appears an undisputed starter, but he needs to step up after a disappointing showing at Old Trafford, where he caught in possession numerous times due to poor first touches.
Mohamed Elneny outperformed the Ghanaian in midweek, but he could still make way for the return of Albert Sambi Lokonga, who was surprisingly dropped despite his impressive display against Newcastle United.
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have been Arteta’s preferred picks for the wide midfield positions. It could be similar at Goodison Park. We anticipate Gabriel Martinelli to play higher up the field.
Martinelli scored with an excellent volley against Newcastle before his assist for the equalising goal (2-2) at Old Trafford. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in poor form, he could be tasked to lead the line.
Martin Odegaard could slot just behind him. The Norway international scored his second goal of the league campaign in midweek, but was also guilty of conceding United’s winning penalty.
Arteta previously handed Tavares the chance to redeem himself after gifting a goal against Liverpool with a poor backpass. It is very likely that Odegaard will get another start on Monday.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
