Arsenal v Everton Preview: Who Replaces Injured Saka in Arteta’s Starting XI?

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Back to Premier League action, Gooners. Arsenal welcome Everton to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon (3pm UK), looking for a seventh consecutive home victory and another three vital points in the title race.After Wednesday’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta has little time to prepare his players for another challenging encounter.Manchester City remain three points ahead, so there’s certainly no room for complacency.David Moyes returns to north London with an Everton side that has lost just once this season. Although they’ve yet to win away, they’re unbeaten on their travels, drawing all three league fixtures.Arsenal Team News and Our Predicted Starting XIThe biggest concern is Bukayo Saka, who suffered a quad injury against Bayern and will definitely miss Saturday’s encounter.Piero Hincapié has returned to training following his ankle injury, although William Saliba and Christos Tzolis remain unavailable.With three matches in just six days, Arteta faces some important selection decisions.As the manager explained in Arsenal’s official match preview:“We’re having three games in six days so we know what’s happening, especially when the games are so demanding and the necessity is to win.”I’d expect either Max Dowman or Noni Madueke to replace Saka on the right. Madueke did make a match-winning contribution against Nottingham Forest, but that was on the left.I’d also give Viktor Gyökeres the opportunity to lead the attack, with Eberechi Eze operating from the left if Arteta gives Madueke the nod on the right.My predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1):Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimarães, Rice, Ødegaard; Madueke, Eze, Gyökeres.(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)Everton’s Threat and Our Score PredictionEverton might be sitting eighth with ten points, but Moyes has built a side that’s difficult to break down.James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite provide physical strength at the back, while Everton’s aggressive pressing could make life uncomfortable for Arsenal.Branthwaite is also an injury concern for the visitors.There’s encouragement in the statistics, though. Everton have won just once in their last 30 Premier League trips to Arsenal, while the Gunners are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with the Toffees.Arsenal also boast the league’s best defensive numbers, having conceded fewer goals than any other side.Interestingly, all six of Arsenal’s most recent Premier League goals have come after half-time, while Everton have conceded just once before the break this season.Could we be heading for another nervy afternoon?My score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Everton.I expect Moyes to make things difficult, but with home advantage I’m backing Arsenal to find a way through. Even if it’s another nail-biting afternoon.What do you think, Gooners? Would you start Gyökeres or Havertz? And who would you opt for on the right and left? Madueke (R) and Eze (L) OR Dowman (R) and Madueke (L)?Join the discussion in the comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…The post Arsenal v Everton Preview: Who Replaces Injured Saka in Arteta’s Starting XI? appeared first on Just Arsenal News.