Bukayo Saka rested, Gabriel replacement and Martinelli call – Arsenal line-ups vs Everton

Arsenal take on Everton in what will be the final time the Gunners travel to Goodison Park ahead of their major stadium move. Mikel Arteta however will go without the presence of Gabriel Magalhaes who is to miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.

Both Jurrien Timber and Ben White are also doubts as Arsenal think ahead knowing that Real Madrid looms on the horizon. The league remains important for momentum and exposure for certain players.

However, after seeing James Tarkowski’s tackle for the Toffees against Liverpool, there are naturally some hesitations about who plays before such a big game. This and more is decided by our football.london writers who give their view on who they would play.

Tom Canton

For the record, the likelihood of Mikel Arteta agreeing with my selection here I think is slim, and I’ll reflect that in the predicted XI for Saturday morning. However, I just cannot in my best conscience start some of the best players who have dealt with hamstring issues this season against Everton with what is to come.

My mind is very much already entrenched in Real Madrid’s imminent arrival at the Emirates Stadium, and therefore, I would rest the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard are more than good enough to start the game with the others coming on later.

Meanwhile, in defence I am preparing for Madrid with Thomas Partey at right-back and bringing in Ben White later on in the game for Jorginho who is in midfield. Partey returns there and White replaces Timber who instead moves to right-back where I pray he is fit enough to start on Tuesday evening.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Everton: Raya; Partey, Timber, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard

Sam Truelove

A huge game for Arsenal ahead of the club's biggest game of the season so far - Real Madrid on Tuesday. A win over Everton would do wonders for the squad's confidence but David Moyes' team will be no pushovers.

Jakub Kiwior would be my pick to replace Gabriel. The Polish international deserves a chance between now and the end of the season, although Riccardo Calafiori could partner William Saliba later in the campaign once he returns. Myles Lewis-Skelly continues at left-back and I'm backing at least one of Ben White or Jurrien Timber to be passed fit and start at Goodison Park. I have a feeling it may just be White.

The midfield remains unchanged for me. Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are Arteta's first-choice trio at the moment. If Partey is deployed at right-back instead, though, Jorginho can come in for the Ghanaian.

With Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino starting once more in the forward areas, I think it's time for Bukayo Saka to start. Around 60 minutes will do here in the hope he is fit and raring to go for Madrid.

Truelove's Arsenal XI vs Everton: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli