Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Everton: Gabriel Jesus makes first start

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on September 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on September 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal enter their house of horrors on Super Sunday as a trip to Goodison Park beckons for Mikel Arteta’s side.

While Everton have been one of the worst teams in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons, Arteta is yet to taste victory on the blue side of the Mersey with Arsenal’s last victory at Goodison arriving in 2017.

The Gunners have since endured a miserable run; one they’ll be hoping to snap this weekend against a team that have claimed just a point from their opening four games.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Everton

Here’s how Arteta could set his Arsenal side up against Everton on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta celebrates the win over Man Utd. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta celebrates the win over Man Utd. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – This is a pretty big game for Ramsdale, who hasn’t started the season particularly well. David Raya is breathing down his neck before the start of Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.

Ben White (RB) – Arteta returned to last season’s dynamics before the break, and we should see that set-up again on Sunday with White at right-back.

William Saliba (CB) – It was a tough outing for Saliba in this fixture last season, and he’ll have to deal with the impressive Beto on Sunday.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian overcame a minor injury scare while away on international duty and will be fit to start at Goodison.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Everton will seek to shackle Zinchenko, who’s so key to what Arsenal want to do in possession.

Midfielders

Declan Rice (DM) – The £105m man has been Arsenal’s star so far this season with Thomas Partey’s absence meaning he’ll continue at the base of midfield.

Kai Havertz (CM) – Supporters would love to see Havertz dropped from the XI, but I think Arteta will opt for the German’s height against a physical Everton midfield.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The skipper, who’s flickered his majesty so far this season, is a shoo-in to start.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – There were reports of an Achilles injury over the break, but Arteta rubbished those claims in his pre-match presser. Saka is good to go.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – This is tough on Eddie Nketiah, who hasn’t done anything to warrant a dropping but it’ll be so hard for Arteta not to pick Jesus if he’s 100% fit.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Arteta could rotate here with Leandro Trossard vying for a start down the left, but I think the boss will stick with Martinelli on Sunday.