Everton vs Arsenal: Big Rotations as Saka & Odegaard Benched
Everton vs Arsenal brings some surprise lineup changes as Mikel Arteta rests key players ahead of a massive Champions League clash. With Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both starting on the bench, Arsenal field a younger, rotated side for their trip to Goodison Park. Everton, meanwhile, make a few tweaks of their own as they look to take advantage of the Gunners’ changes and bounce back from their Merseyside derby loss.
Arsenal Starting XI Highlights
Arteta makes five changes from the side that beat Fulham midweek:
- Ben White returns to the starting XI for the first time since November, replacing Jurrien Timber.
- Jakob Kiwior comes in for the injured Gabriel at center-back.
- Jorginho, Raheem Sterling, and Leandro Trossard start in place of Partey, Martinelli, and Odegaard.
- Ethan Nwaneri is handed a rare start in attack.
- Rico Lewis-Skelly features at left-back in a youthful backline.
Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Merino, Rice, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
Subs: Neto, Timber, Tierney, Zinchenko, Partey, Gower, Odegaard, Martinelli,Updat
Everton Starting XI Updates
David Moyes also tweaks his lineup following a narrow loss to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby:
- Iliman Ndiaye replaces Charly Alcaraz on the left flank.
- Tim Iroegbunam starts in midfield, taking over for James Garner.
- James Patterson is preferred over Vitalii Mykolenko at right-back.
- Dwight McNeil returns to the bench after four months out injured.
Everton XI: Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Patterson, Gueye, Iroegbunam, Doucoure, Harrison, Ndiaye, Beto
Subs: Virginia, Coleman, Young, Keane, Garner, McNeil, Alcaraz, Broja, Chermiti
What to Expect
With a rotated Arsenal side featuring promising youngsters and several stars in reserve, expect fluid tactics and potentially late-game substitutions if the Gunners need a boost. Everton, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on home advantage and a changed Arsenal defense.
Kick-off: 2:00 PM BST
Venue: Goodison Park
Broadcast: Check local listings for live TV or streaming platforms
This fixture could have significant implications for both ends of the table — Arsenal’s title push and Everton’s fight for consistency.
More…
