Arsenal predicted lineup vs Everton: Auba dropped & Martinelli in?

Arsenal are straight back into Premier League action on Monday as they travel to Goodison Park to take on Rafa Benitez’s Everton. Here is the predicted lineup.

A response is paramount from Mikel Arteta’s side. Leaving Old Trafford without a point to show for it having scored two goals was a devastating result in a match where victory was firmly within their grasp.

Next to nobody could walk away from the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United feeling they performed to the best of their abilities. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Martinelli put in strong individual showings and the latter of those is the subject of plenty of discussion ahead of Monday.

Another ineffective performance from the captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has prompted calls for the 32-year-old to be dropped from the starting lineup with the Brazilian taking his slot in the Arsenal team.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Everton: Aubameyang to be dropped by Mikel Arteta & Gabriel Martinelli brought in for Premier League clash?

That is one of many key selection calls for the manager to make with fellow senior star Thomas Partey also playing well below the level expected of him. Rotation will come into play, as is expected, but form is also going to tempt Arteta’s hand.

In midfield there could be the return of Sambi Lokonga, while the indomitable Granit Xhaka is well ahead of schedule as he has been pictured in full training after suffering a knee injury way back in the North London Derby.

The Swiss is someone we’re expected to see before the turn of the year although Everton will surely come too soon for him.

A call has to be made on Martin Odegaard too, who statistically stood out at Old Trafford and scored a goal, but was let down by a moment of madness when he foolishly gave away a penalty that proved to be United’s winning goal. How will Arteta go for this one?

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – No change in net is expected at any stage, let alone in the Premier League, meaning Ramsdale will get another chance to continue proving that he’s the best goalkeeper in world football.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Put in another encouraging display against United as he sniffed out danger at every opportunity and gave Jadon Sancho little joy down that side. Certain starter.

Benjamin White (CB) – A tough evening for White saw him lose his positioning in key defensive situations but show his class on the ball. Some of his distribution was excellent, he just needs to clean up the rest.

Gabriel (CB) – Will have his hands full with his international teammate Richarlison, who is a menace even on his off days. No changes at centre-half expected for Arsenal.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – An alteration that isn’t due to be the result of Nuno Tavares underperforming. Arsenal need some more leadership on the pitch to prevent the negativity they show in positive game states and Tierney could be relied on to help them in that regard.

Continued on next page…