Arsenal predicted lineup vs Everton: Folarin Balogun to start?

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Arteta may feel he needs to play the team that will start in Spain. Where there can be leniency with that, however, is with Saka.

He doesn’t get anywhere near enough time to rest and has no problem slotting into the team after a weeks’ break, but given there will be adequate resting time to follow for this, the manager could play his best player. Arteta knows as well as we do Saka is imperative.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – It has to be. Most would love to see Folarin Balogun given the nod at centre-forward, but having not made a Premier League squad in his career to date, throwing him in at No. 9 against Everton is a big ask.

There is Martinelli, of course, yet there are more suitable fixtures to come in the league for him to get his chance in the position. Nketiah scored last time out, he’ll start here.

Nicolas Pepe (LW) – Martinelli against Fulham, so Pepe again here? It’s almost impossible to tell. The Ivorian has only started consecutive matches once in the past ten outings, while Martinelli is also used sporadically as he absorbs what it is Arteta is after.

Based on Europa League form and to, once again, create momentum, Arteta may stick with Pepe ahead of him starting in Spain.