Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Everton: Martinelli comes back in on final day

Mikel Arteta’s young Gunners round off their 2021/22 campaign with a home clash against Everton on Sunday afternoon. 

The narrative surrounding the relative success of Arsenal’s season has oscillated by the matchday, with some lamenting a huge missed opportunity to hasten the rebuild by returning to the Champions League next season.

Arteta’s side were in a great position to do so just two weeks ago, but back-to-back defeats mean bitter rivals Spurs need just a point at Norwich on the final day to pip the Gunners to fourth spot.

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Arsenal, though, have a job to do themselves as a buoyant Everton come to town. The Toffees made sure of their Premier League safety in the week as they came back from 2-0 down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 in a thrilling contest at Goodison Park. They’ll be relaxed heading into this one, but there’s no way that Frank Lampard will allow his side to roll over for the hosts.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Everton on the final day of the 2021/22 Premier League season

A fun encounter is in the offing on Sunday, and here’s the starting XI Arteta could select for the clash.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – It’s been a fine debut season for the English shot-stopper and he should retain his place between the sticks on the final day.

Benjamin White (RB) – White was pretty dire at Newcastle and he may not yet be fully fit after missing training on Wednesday. However, he should be okay for Sunday, where he’ll fill in for the injured Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back.

Rob Holding (CB) – Holding served his one-game suspension last time out and he’s back in contention. While his stupidity in the North London Derby means he doesn’t deserve to return straight away, Arsenal’s injury woes may force Arteta’s hand.

Gabriel (CB) – Another who perhaps isn’t quite fully fit. Still, the Brazilian defender was one of Arsenal’s ‘better’ performers at St James’ Park and it’d be a surprise to see him dropped for Everton’s visit.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – It’ll have to be Nuno down the left.

Midfielders

Mohamed Elneny (DM) – Albert Sambi Lokonga is a candidate to earn a rare start, but I fancy Mikel to stick with old-timer Elneny at the base of midfield.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – I’m sure Xhaka’s stern words post-Newcastle defeat would’ve been appreciated by the boss. The Swiss international has failed to complete 90 minutes just once in the Premier League in 2022 and that trend should continue this weekend.

Martin Ødegaard (CM) – The elegant Norwegian will be looking to finish a stellar individual season with a bang after going cold in recent outings. No Arsenal player has registered more shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Ødegaard (4.27) this term. He’ll operate from the right half-space once more on Sunday.

Forwards

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Bukayo Saka (RW) – Only Gabriel (2,973) and Ramsdale (2,970) have played more Premier League minutes for Arsenal than young Saka (2,901) this season. The heavy workload has started to take its toll on the exuberant winger in recent weeks, but there’s no doubting that he’ll earn one final start on Sunday with Nicolas Pepe failing to impress off the bench on Tyneside.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – It’s been pretty tough sledding for Nketiah since his brace against Leeds. He’s barely been involved. Thus, Alexandre Lacazette could return to the XI on what should be his final appearance for the club. However, I reckon Arteta will stick with Eddie before bringing the Frenchman on at some point during the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Arsenal’s new #11 was a surprise omission on Monday night, and his second-half arrival coincided with the Gunners’ brightest spell of an otherwise dismal match. The Brazilian should replace Emile Smith Rowe, who’s an injury doubt, in the starting XI.