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Eberechi Eze has struggled to provide the creative spark and needs to be withdrawn from the thick of the action.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