Arsenal predicted lineup vs Everton: Folarin Balogun to start?

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) – Having been given a rest against Fulham, a move Arteta hinted was due to a lack of proper recovery from the Europa League, it seems certain that Partey will return to the midfield on Sunday.

He had an excellent outing in Prague, a performance closer to the level expected of him in red and white, and with key midfielders out for Everton there is a chance for him to control that area of the pitch.

Dani Ceballos (CM) – The Spaniard is….doing well? Alongside Partey Ceballos put in a superb shift against Sheffield United, one followed up with a fine – if slightly less glamourous – outing in Prague. Then, albeit a poor team performance, Ceballos was possibly the best player on the pitch alongside Gabriel Maritinelli against Fulham.

There is always an air of concern with him, though. When will the mistake arrive? Which of his flicks and backheels will play an opposition player in? If they have to come, ideally they’ll be on Friday, not Thursday.

Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – Smith Rowe fell well below his usual standard against the Cottagers, failing to leave any mark on what was a quiet afternoon for the 20-year-old. Such performances can never be heavily criticised given the sudden emergence of his talent in the first team, while injuries of late have not helped his case.

With Martin Odegaard unlikely to be risked, or indeed fit, Smith Rowe looks set to come back in.