Noni Madueke comes into Arsenal’s starting XI against Everton, while Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard are both absent after Mikel Arteta said late fitness calls would be needed on the pair.
There are other notable changes from the side that started in Leverkusen in midweek.
Changes from Leverkusen as Calafiori returns
There are three notable changes from the side that started in Leverkusen in midweek. Calafiori comes back in at left-back in place of Piero Hincapie, while Havertz and Madueke are both promoted from the bench after helping change the game in Germany. That means Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres drop out of the XI, with Arteta opting for a slightly different attacking shape against Everton.
Calafiori’s return is one of the more significant selection calls. Arsenal were without him from the start in Germany, so his inclusion restores a more natural left-sided option in defence. Further forward, Madueke’s start reflects the impact he made after coming on against Leverkusen, while Havertz is brought back into the side after marking his return to his former club with the late equalising penalty.
Madueke gets his chance
Madueke’s start is one of the more notable decisions from Arteta. Arsenal needed a lift when he came on in Germany in midweek, and his direct running helped change the tone of the game. This time he gets the nod from the start, with Arteta clearly looking for energy and unpredictability against an Everton side expected to defend deep and make the game awkward.
There is also another important start for Saka. In Friday’s press conference, Arteta gave strong backing to the winger amid questions around output, saying: “We fully trust him and love him. What he’s doing for us, for this club is just incredible at his age.” That faith is reflected again here, with Saka named in a central role within an attacking unit that looks flexible rather than fixed.
Odegaard and Trossard miss out
The most significant absences are Odegaard and Trossard. Asked in his pre-match press conference whether the pair would be available, Arteta said: “Let’s see. We will have to wait and see. Speak to the doctors and whether they are involved or not.” He also said there were no fresh injury concerns after the trip to Leverkusen. Their absence from the squad, then, suggests neither did enough to be included despite that late assessment.
That leaves Arsenal without their captain again, and without another senior attacking option in Trossard. Even so, Arteta’s selection shows he is still willing to alter the shape rather than simply replace like for like. With Madueke starting, Calafiori back in defence and Havertz leading the attack, Arsenal’s team sheet points to a slightly different look as they try to take another step forward in the title race.
Arsenal Starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Madueke; Havertz.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Martinelli, Jesus, Gyokeres.