Arsenal vs Everton predicted XI: Keep the streak alive

Attack

This is going to sound really prissy and negative, but I’m prepared to be disappointed by Mikel Arteta’s attacking selection. What I want and what we will see may not be that different, but they are. What I want? Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Martinelli and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Sorry, but Alexandre Lacazette has not yet proven enough to warrant that starting job. I don’t care what sort of fit he throws, he has to understand that he’s underperforming.

That said, Lacazette will start up top. Mikel Arteta will want to reward the Frenchman’s consecutive goals, for better or worse. Obviously Lacazette could break out of his funk against Everton, but it’s a big chance to take, especially with how poor he was against Olympiakos.

Aubameyang, who should be starting at striker, will suit up on the left wing. He hasn’t been as prolific a winger as he is a striker, but he will continue to find his way into striking positions, and as long as that is the case, there is cause for optimism.

Lastly, and I’m really crossing my fingers here, I really hope that Nicolas Pepe keeps his starting spot. If he gets benched after a three-goals-produced performance, I will have no choice but to conclude that Arsenal are just f****** with him.