Eze should start on the bench. The strongest Arsenal XI to sink Everton

By Danong 

On Saturday night, Arsenal make the trip northwest to Merseyside to take on Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton's new home.  

The Gunners arrive far from their best form, having managed just three wins in their last six league fixtures, a poor spell that has seen their once commanding lead at the top cut to just two points.

To keep their title charge on track, Arsenal must return to North London with all three points. A draw or defeat simply won’t do, particularly with Manchester City, who will have already faced West Ham and probably seize top spot by the time Arsenal play.  

As for Everton, their campaign has hardly been sparkling, yet their resilience at home cannot be ignored. With only two league defeats on Merseyside and unbeaten in the other six league games at the Hill Dickinson, they pose a challenge.

The last two meetings between these sides (Arsenal and Everton) have ended level, underlining the need for Arsenal to raise their game if they are to outwit David Moyes' men.  

Mikel Arteta’s task is complicated by injuries to Kai Havertz, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, and Gabriel Magalhaes, all of whom are ruled out. Even so, there is cause for optimism: Leandro Trossard is expected to be match‑fit, while Ricardo Calafiori returns from suspension to bolster the back line.  

Should there be no late surprises, Arteta could field a strong XI:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard  

Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard  

Why this line‑up?

Eberechi Eze has struggled to provide the creative spark and needs to be withdrawn from the thick of the action. 

Martin Odegaard, by contrast, should deliver the creative edge Arsenal have been craving. As for Trossard, the decision is bold but justified. When fit, he has arguably been Arsenal’s most effective option on the left, and he deserves to start.

And if Jesus was completely fit after returning from his long-term injury he would surely have been seriously considered to start the game. He will be ready to come on late in the game, if needed. Let's hope we will not need him. 

Should Arsenal consider going in for Semenyo?

 By Danong

As a squad, Arsenal are arguably as strong as they have ever been. Sporting director Andrea Berta’s debut summer transfer window gifted Mikel Arteta the one thing he had long lacked: genuine squad depth.  

The brilliance of this expanded group has been clear. We have watched Arsenal navigate key injuries without losing momentum, and we have seen them grind out results even when deprived of their most influential players.  

When everyone is fit, Arsenal are already a formidable side. Yet there remains a sense that they could reach an even higher level if they finally secure one elusive deal.  

For several years now, it has been no secret that Arsenal are intent on landing a top winger. Despite links to Premier League talents such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo, the club has struggled to secure this transfer. The prevailing feeling is that if Arsenal can clinch this signing, they may well unlock their absolute best.  

Semenyo: An Opportunity, But Not the Answer

The race to become Arsenal’s marquee left wing signing appears to be narrowing to two names: Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.  

Semenyo has emerged as an opportunistic target. Not long ago, reports suggested the Premier League winger could be available for around £65 million.

His technical ability, ambipedal nature—able to strike cleanly with either foot and his Premier League experience make him a tempting option.  

However, as appealing as he may be, is Semenyo truly what Arsenal need?

The Gunners require an “heir” to Leandro Trossard, someone capable of unlocking compact defensive blocks such as those deployed by Wolverhampton Wanderers. They need a winger with close control and the elite ability to fashion shots in tight spaces, qualities Semenyo does not consistently provide.  

Yes, Semenyo can slice through opponents like a hot knife through butter in transition, but he lacks the nuanced tools to threaten compact defences on a regular basis. In truth, what he offers is not dissimilar to Gabriel Martinelli or Noni Madueke on their better days.

Yildiz: The Ideal Successor to Trossard

If Arsenal are wise, their focus should shift towards Yildiz. The Juventus star possesses the attributes required to dismantle compact blocks: superior close control, technical dribbling, and the ability to manipulate tight spaces with composure.  

Moreover, Yildiz is no slouch in transition. While Semenyo’s athleticism gives him the edge in open play, Yildiz balances his transitional threat with creativity and vision. Crucially, he combines ball-striking and finishing prowess with top-level playmaking, making him a more complete option.  

All that said, it is worth noting that Semenyo would still be a decent signing were Arsenal to win his red‑hot transfer race. Even so, the Ghanaian forward would not quite provide the decisive edge the club so desperately craves. By contrast, were Arsenal to land Yildiz, he would instantly elevate them. 

Meanwhile, social media buzz has many arguing that Semenyo is enjoying a stronger campaign, having already scored seven goals and recorded three assists across all competitions. Yet Yildiz is quietly piecing together an impressive season of his own in front of goal, with six strikes and seven assists. 

Ultimately, Yildiz is a player firmly in form who provides that skill that is most needed for an Arsenal winger: that of being capable of penetrating the more defensive minded opponents.

Arsenal team ready to add to Wolves’ troubles and steady their grip on first place. Saliba ready to start?

 By Danong

Fresh from their exploits in Brugge, where they swept aside the local Club 3-0 to preserve their perfect run in the 2025-26 Champions League, the Gunners will be eager to channel that European momentum back into the Premier League.  

Yet, despite their continental dominance, Arsenal’s league form has been less convincing of late, with just one win in their last three outings. Victory against Wolves is therefore essential if Mikel Arteta’s men are to sustain their grip at the summit and put some pressure on Manchester City.  

History certainly favours the North Londoners. Arsenal have triumphed in each of their last eight meetings with Wolves, six of which saw the Wanderers fail to find the net. On paper, this fixture should prove little more than a routine assignment for the Gunners.  

Nevertheless, Arteta has a tricky situation picking his line-up. Key players like Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Cristhian Mosquera are all out, while Ricardo Calafiori is suspended.

Arteta has actually said that Saliba is a doubt for today but could feature against Everton next week! This is great news and even if he is fit for today it is more safe to give him another week to make sure.

Timber (knock) and Rice (illness) are likely to be available. Trossard is unlikely to be risked on this game.

Madueke deserves to start after his performance midweek. 

Potential Arsenal lineup vs Wolves 

In defence: Raya (GK), White, Timber, Hincapié, Myles Lewis-Skelly  

In midfield: Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  

In attack: Madueke, Gyokeres, Saka  

If Rice is unavailable, Arteta will have the opportunity to partner Eberechi Eze with Martin Ødegaard in central midfield, thereby injecting a fresh dynamic into his engine room.  

Ultimately, whichever XI Arteta selects, Arsenal should possess more than enough quality to dispatch Wolves, consolidate their position at the top, and ease the mounting pressure from a resurgent City. 

 

Arteta’s XI set to fire Arsenal back on track in Brugge. Calafiori a doubt?

 By Danong

On Wednesday night, Arsenal return to the spotlight as they take on Club Brugge in round six of the 2025/26 Champions League league phase.  

Following their disappointing 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa, the Gunners will be eager to bounce back and rediscover that winning feeling.  

Sitting proudly at the top of the Champions League log heading into matchday six, Arsenal will be determined to retain their place at the summit.  

Key facts ahead of the clash

The encounter, set for the Jan Breydel Stadium in Brugge, carries plenty of intrigue. Here’s what you need to know:

Arsenal and Brugge have never previously met in European competition.
  
The Gunners boast a flawless record so far, five wins from five, while Brugge have managed just one victory and a draw, losing the other three.

If Gabriel Martinelli finds the net, he will have scored in five consecutive Champions League matches.

Saliba, Rice and Trossard have not travelled. Ricardo Calafiori was spotted limping after the Villa game and remains a doubt.  

Predicted line‑up

Arteta may opt to go strong in order for his team to leave Belgium with all three points. If he does, this could be the line‑up to deliver it:  

Raya  
White,Timber, Hincapié, Lewis Skelly
Zubimendi, Eze, Merino
Saka, Gyökeres, Madueke  

Resting Martin Odegaard, who has only just returned from injury, could prove a wise move to avoid overloading him. Such a decision would allow Eberechi Eze to be tried centrally, reminding everyone of his influence after struggling out wide against Villa.

A win on Wednesday night would ease the pressure on Arteta and his players, providing the much‑needed lift to return to winning ways and, crucially, to sustain that momentum.  

Strong Arsenal line‑up for Villa clash amid major defensive absences. Tight muscle for Rice?

 By Danong

Saturday afternoon sees Arsenal make the trip to Villa Park, where they will lock horns with an in‑form Aston Villa side.  

After a shaky start to the campaign, Villa has rediscovered its rhythm. Having shaken off their early struggles, they have climbed to third in the league table, and that rise is no fluke. They are currently riding a six‑match winning streak in all competitions and have suffered defeat only twice in their last 15 outings.  

Villa, certainly, present a tricky challenge, and Arsenal will be well aware of it. The Gunners have only managed one victory in their last four meetings with Unai Emery’s men, a record that underlines the difficulty of the task ahead.  

Nevertheless, Arsenal, buoyed by their near‑perfect start to the season, losing just once in the league while leading the title charge, will feel it is high time to put Emery’s side back in their place.  

Heading into this clash, however, one concern for Mikel Arteta is the defensive crisis he faces. Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera are ofcourse out and its touch and go if William Saliba will make it, leaving the manager with a significant headache.  

Arteta will need to preserve Arsenal’s defensive solidity without them. Jurrien Timber impressed when coming on against Brentford to play in central defence, while Ben White delivered a solid performance at right‑back. 

It is therefore likely that both will be retained in those positions, forming part of a line‑up that could look like this:  

Raya  

White, Timber, Hincapié, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze  

Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli  

Yes Rice is included in the 11 as it seems from his comment to the Sky Sports journalist that he is 'fine' that he will be able to play today.

After all when he was being attended by the physio during the Brentford game he was pointing not directly on his calf but the back of his leg. This indicates that it might be just a tight muscle.

Some argue that Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard deserve to start. Yet Odegaard, only just back from injury, must have his minutes carefully managed. As for Merino, the feeling is that Gyokeres deserves to be back in the fold.  

That said, if everything clicks, this line‑up should possess enough quality to nick a win over Villa and, in doing so, demonstrate who the genuine title contenders are and who are merely pretenders.

The Arsenal line up to take the sting out of the Bees

 By Danong

Coming off a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in a fiercely contested London derby at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal will be determined to bounce back to winning ways when they welcome Brentford to the Emirates.  

Having dominated recent London derbies, winning 28, drawing nine and losing only three of their last 41, the Gunners will be eager to extend that formidable record against the Bees.  

Many had expected Brentford to unravel following Thomas Frank's departure to Tottenham Hotspur and the exits of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, their trusted attacking duo.

Yet, under Keith Andrews, the Bees have refused to collapse. Andrews has stepped seamlessly into Frank's shoes, and on their day, Brentford remain as formidable as ever.  

Igor Thiago as their goalscoring assassin. He's scoring goals with relentless consistency. Arsenal will need to be particularly wary of his threat, as well as Michael Kayode's dangerous long throws, which have become a weapon in Brentford's armoury.  

That said, with Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard now fully fit, Arsenal will hope to unleash considerable firepower to punish the visitors.  

There is also optimism that William Saliba could return, having missed the Chelsea due to a knock. His availability would be a significant boost.

While Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera have shown promise alongside Gabriel Magalhaes or Saliba, their pairing alone looked shaky in the intensity of Premier League battle.  

Should Saliba remain sidelined, Mikel Arteta would be wise to partner one of the youngsters with an experienced Gunner such as Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber or Ben White in central defence.  

He may however keep faith with the new pairing in defence to give them time to learn to play together.

With that in mind, here is the Arsenal line-up that could restore momentum:  

Raya  
Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori  
Zubimendi, Rice, Eze  
Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli  

On paper, this side should have enough quality to get the job done.  

A victory over Brentford would not only cement Arsenal's place at the summit of the league but also silence the critics who seized on the draw with Chelsea to question their credentials.