Arsenal reshuffle starting XI for Premier League showdown at Goodison Park with Champions League fixture looming.
Mikel Arteta has made five changes to Arsenal’s starting line-up for this afternoon’s Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park, as the team manages fitness ahead of a key Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Ben White returns to the starting XI for the first time since November, replacing Jurrien Timber at right-back. White had been sidelined with a knee injury but is now fully fit. Jakob Kiwior also steps in at center-back for the injured Gabriel Magalhães, continuing the role he played in Tuesday’s win over Fulham.
Key Players Rested Before Real Madrid Clash
Captain Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Martinelli have been rested and named on the bench. In their places, Arteta has brought in Jorginho, Raheem Sterling, and Leandro Trossard—who scored the winner in last season’s corresponding fixture.
Bukayo Saka, who scored in the midweek win against Fulham, also starts on the bench. Arteta now has strong attacking options available as substitutes if needed later in the game.
This strategic squad rotation reflects Arteta’s aim to balance domestic performance with continental ambitions. Arsenal will face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in just a few days.
Everton Responds to Derby Loss with Three Changes
On the other side, Everton manager David Moyes has made three changes to his team following their narrow loss in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool earlier this week.
Iliman Ndiaye returns from injury and starts on the left wing, replacing Charly Alcaraz. In midfield, Tim Iroegbunam is selected over James Garner, offering more defensive cover. James Patterson is also drafted in at right-back in place of Vitalii Mykolenko, who is dropped to the bench.
Winger Dwight McNeil returns to the squad after four months out with injury and is among the substitutes.
Arsenal Starting XI vs Everton
Starting Line-up:
Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Merino, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
Substitutes:
Neto, Timber, Tierney, Zinchenko, Partey, Gower, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Saka
Everton Starting XI vs Arsenal
Starting Line-up:
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Patterson; Gueye, Iroegbunam, Doucouré; Harrison, Ndiaye, Beto
Substitutes:
Virginia, Coleman, Young, Keane, Garner, McNeil, Alcaraz, Broja, Chermiti
What’s at Stake?
Arsenal remains in the title race and cannot afford to drop points, while Everton continues to fight to avoid the relegation zone. Today’s game could be crucial for both sides.
With big names like Ødegaard and Martinelli on the bench, and fresh legs in the starting line-up, Arteta is clearly looking to manage his squad with one eye on Europe while still pushing hard in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Moyes will be hoping the return of Ndiaye and McNeil boosts Everton’s chances of grabbing a result against one of the league’s top teams.
Match Facts
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Arsenal won this fixture 1-0 last season, with Trossard scoring the decisive goal.
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Everton has not beaten Arsenal at Goodison Park since December 2020.
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Ben White’s last league start came in November in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
As both clubs make significant changes, today’s clash promises to be unpredictable. Arteta’s tactical rotation and Moyes’ reshuffled side set the stage for an intense and meaningful Premier League battle.
