Arsenal team news: Predicted XI to face Everton as Gabriel and Kai Havertz calls made

Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates later today knowing that any further slip-ups could prove fatal in their bid for the Premier League crown. The Gunners currently sit six points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand after the Merseyside derby was cancelled last weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s men will be quietly confident of picking up the three points this afternoon as they take on an Everton side down in 15th in the Premier League, having won just three of their first 14 matches of the campaign.

But Arteta has some dilemmas heading into the showdown at the Emirates, amidst a defensive injury crisis which has seen star centre-back Gabriel sidelined alongside Riccardo Calafiori while the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko have also been missing.

Here, Express Sport takes a look at how Arsenal could line-up against the Toffees as Arteta may look to freshen things up in attack…

Goalkeeper – Raya

David Raya is shoo in having established himself as one of the very best in the Premier League and Europe. He has been called into action more than he would have liked this season, but has proved emphatically why Arteta was keen to replace Aaron Ramsdale with him at the beginning of last season.

The Spanish goalkeeper will be hoping for a fairly quiet afternoon at the office in North London against Sean Dyche’s men.

Defence – Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

With Arteta battling a defensive crisis currently, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him stick with what he has put out recently with Thomas Partey deputising at right-back in the absence of Ben White. And with no experienced left-back yet fit, it could see Jurrien Timber deployed on that flank again rather than his accustomed right-hand side.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has thrown his hat into the ring to start from the left again following hii superb display in the 3-0 victory over Monaco, but Arteta may have reservations about starting the 18-year-old twice in one week during a hectic period, and call on experience instead.

But most importantly for Arteta, he’ll be hopeful of having Gabriel back in the heart of defence after missing the last two matches against Fulham and Monaco with a muscle injury.

Midfield – Rice, Odegaard, Merino

The midfield names itself at the moment if Partey features at right-back. Rice excelled against Monaco further deeper playing in the No.6 position, helping break up the play and providing a formidable shield for the back four.

Odegaard is always one of the first names on the teamsheet and it’s no surprise at all to see Arsenal looking so much more fluid with their captain back to full fitness.

There will be calls for Jorginho to be given a rare start again as he continues to show he has still got it, most notably with his performance in the thrilling 5-2 victory over West Ham.

However, it would be no surprise to see Mikel Merino from the off again after an impressive display vs Monaco, and Arteta will be desperate for him to bed in more in the starting line-up and gain more playing time alongside Rice and Odegaard.

Forwards – Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Bukayo Saka continued to show he is the star man for Arsenal, and one of the very best in Europe, with his class display against Monaco to put the Gunners in a commanding position in the Champions League standings. Arteta has a much tougher call on the left flank, but may opt for Leandro Trossard as part of a rotation tactic with Gabriel Martinelli to keep both players fresh.

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is expected to come back into the starting XI after being dropped to the bench during midweek as Gabriel Jesus was given his chance to prove his worth instead.