Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday, 24 October, when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium for a Matchweek 8 fixture. Mikel Arteta’s side have made a strong start to their domestic campaign, but the latest European outing has created fresh concerns ahead of the weekend.
The Gunners drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, rescuing a point through Declan Rice’s late strike. However, Bukayo Saka’s early withdrawal with a quadriceps injury has left Arteta facing an important right-wing decision. According to a Reuters report on 22 October, the Arsenal manager expressed concern about the severity of the injury.
Arsenal have won six of their seven league matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding five, according to FBref’s season records. Their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on 18 October extended their winning run in the league, although the trip to Munich demanded considerable physical effort.
Everton, meanwhile, arrive after a 2-0 home defeat against Chelsea. David Moyes will want his players to respond with a disciplined performance, particularly against an Arsenal side that can dominate possession and create chances through midfield combinations.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Everton
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Bruno Guimarães, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze; Kai Havertz.
David Raya should retain his place in goal, with White and Calafiori providing width from full-back. Gabriel offers physical strength at centre-back, while Konsa could partner the Brazilian if Arteta keeps him in the starting XI.
Rice should anchor the midfield alongside Guimarães, giving Arsenal a combination of defensive cover, ball recovery and forward passing. Ødegaard can operate between the lines, linking midfield with the attacking players.
Madueke looks a natural option on the right if Saka misses out. Eze, who scored against Bayern after replacing the injured winger, has a strong case to start on the left. Havertz should lead the attack, offering movement and an aerial presence inside the penalty area.
Can Arsenal maintain their momentum without Saka?
Arteta must balance attacking quality with the need to manage his squad after Wednesday’s demanding European match. Saka’s absence would remove a regular source of creativity, direct running and goal contributions from the right flank. Madueke can provide similar width, although his combinations with White and Ødegaard may differ.
Eze’s performance in Munich strengthens his claim for a starting role. His goal demonstrated his ability to find space and finish under pressure, while his movement could trouble Everton’s defensive line. Rice’s late equaliser, meanwhile, showed why his energy and timing remain valuable in both boxes.
The central defensive partnership deserves attention, too. Saliba’s reported absence would make Gabriel’s organisation and Arsenal’s protection in transition especially important against Everton’s counter-attacks.
My view is that Arteta should retain the 4-2-3-1 and start Eze alongside Ødegaard and Madueke. That arrangement preserves creativity without asking one replacement to reproduce every aspect of Saka’s game. Rice and Guimarães can control central areas, while Havertz gives Arsenal a target for crosses and through balls.
Everton may defend deep and look for opportunities on the break, so Arsenal need patience rather than rushed attacks. If the home side move the ball quickly and protect possession after losing it, they have the personnel to control the contest. Arteta’s biggest decision remains whether Madueke and Eze can provide enough penetration to compensate for Saka’s absence.
