Arsenal vs Everton: Arteta Makes 3 Changes – Havertz Starts | Premier League Team News

Kai Havertz will lead the Arsenal attack this evening against Everton, earning a Premier League start after scoring in midweek against Bayer Leverkusen. Manager Mikel Arteta has made three changes to the side that drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Alongside Havertz, Noni Madueke is also handed a starting role, having won the penalty that led to Havertz’s goal in Germany. Gabriel Martinelli is shifted to the substitutes’ bench, while Riccardo Calafiori replaces Piero Hincapie at left-back. The changes reflect Arteta’s desire to refresh the lineup and reward players who contributed positively in Leverkusen.

Everton manager David Moyes has also made alterations to his starting eleven, forced by the unavailability of both central defenders from their recent 2-0 victory over Burnley. James Tarkowski and Jarrod Branthwaite are both absent, leading to a reshuffle in the Toffees’ backline. Jake O’Brien moves from right-back to centre-back, with Michael Keane stepping into the team from the bench. James Garner fills the void left by O’Brien at right-back, and Tim Iroegbunam comes into central midfield.

Everton will be aiming to secure a third consecutive away win in the Premier League, a feat they haven’t achieved since December 2023. Their recent form on the road has been strong, having lost only one of their last ten league games away from home, dating back to December. However, they face a challenging opponent in Arsenal, who will be eager to return to winning ways in the league after the Champions League draw.

Arsenal Lineup

Starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Madueke, Havertz.

Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, White, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Martinelli, Dowman, Gyokeres, Jesus.

Everton Lineup

Starting XI: Pickford, Garner, O’Brien, Keane, Mykolenko, Gueye, Iroegbunam, McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto.

Substitutes: Travers, Coleman, Paterson, Aznou, Armstrong, Rohl, Dibling, George, Barry.

The match presents a tactical contrast, with Arsenal’s attacking fluidity tested against Everton’s reshuffled defense. Arteta’s decision to start Havertz and Madueke suggests a focus on dynamic movement and creative interplay in the final third. Moyes, meanwhile, will be hoping that his side can maintain their defensive solidity despite the changes and exploit any vulnerabilities in the Arsenal backline.

Arsenal’s recent success in set pieces, having scored 21 goals from them this season – five more than any other team in the division – could prove a key factor. However, Arteta has acknowledged the growing trend of teams focusing on man-to-man marking in set-piece situations, potentially negating this advantage. The Arsenal manager believes the biggest issue is defending man-to-man, and that teams are increasingly relying on set pieces as a result.

The game also comes at a crucial juncture in the season for both clubs. Arsenal are aiming to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table, while Everton are looking to build on their recent positive results and climb further away from the relegation zone. A win for either side would be a significant boost to their respective ambitions.

The Emirates Stadium is set to host a compelling encounter, with both teams eager to secure a positive result. Arsenal’s attacking firepower, combined with Everton’s resilience and tactical flexibility, promises a captivating contest for fans.