Arsenal vs Everton Confirmed Line-ups: Arteta Makes 5 Changes as Saka Misses Out

Arsenal have made five changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Bayern Munich for this afternoon's Premier League visit of Everton. Mikel Arteta has rotated both full-backs and handed Viktor Gyokeres a start up front, with Bukayo Saka ruled out through injury.

  • Competition: Premier League
  • Venue: Emirates Stadium
  • Date: October 24, 2026
  • Headline: Arteta makes five changes; Saka out with quad injury, Gyokeres starts up front
  • At stake: Arsenal need a win to keep pace with leaders Manchester City

Confirmed line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: David Raya; Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard; Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres

Substitutes: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Bruno Guimaraes, Max Dowman, Kai Havertz

Everton (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Rohl, Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko; James Garner, Armstrong; Johnson, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George; Barry

Substitutes: Travers, King, Maitland-Niles, Keane, Dibling, Nørgaard, Alcaraz, Hackney, Braiden Graham

Selection notes

Arteta has changed both full-backs from midweek: Myles Lewis-Skelly replaces Riccardo Calafiori at left-back and Ben White comes in for Jurrien Timber on the right. Ezri Konsa continues alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, with William Saliba still out with a back injury.

In midfield, Declan Rice keeps his place but Bruno Guimaraes drops out as Mikel Merino is handed a start. Martin Zubimendi remains on the bench. Martin Odegaard captains the side.

In attack, Noni Madueke starts on the right wing with Bukayo Saka facing up to eight weeks out with a quad injury. Eberechi Eze is recalled to start on the opposite flank while Viktor Gyokeres is handed a chance to impress up front, with Kai Havertz dropping to the bench.

For Everton, Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite are both absent. Jordan Pickford keeps goal while Tyrique George is recalled in attack.

Injury and availability

  • Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Out for up to eight weeks with a quad injury.
  • William Saliba (Arsenal): Still out with a back injury.
  • Jack Grealish (Everton): Absent from the squad.
  • Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton): Absent from the squad.

Why Arteta trusts Merino and Gyokeres to break Everton down

With Saka sidelined, Arteta has shifted his attacking emphasis. Noni Madueke offers direct width on the right, but the key change is Eberechi Eze starting on the opposite flank — a natural creator who will drift inside and combine with Martin Odegaard. That pair gives Arsenal two ball-players between the lines, ideal against an Everton side likely to defend deep.

In midfield, Mikel Merino replaces Bruno Guimaraes. Merino's physical presence and late runs into the box could be vital against a packed defence, while Declan Rice anchors. The back four sees Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly come in for Timber and Calafiori, adding fresh legs after the midweek trip to Munich.

Up front, Viktor Gyokeres gets the nod over Kai Havertz. The Swedish striker will look to exploit any space behind Everton's back line, though he'll need service from Odegaard and Eze. Everton, without Grealish and Branthwaite, will rely on Jordan Pickford and the experience of James Tarkowski to frustrate the hosts.

Talking points

  • Can Gyokeres justify his start ahead of Havertz? The Swedish striker has a chance to make the number nine role his own.
  • Is Merino's physicality the right call over Guimaraes' creativity? Arteta clearly expects a battle in midfield.
  • With Saka out for up to eight weeks, can Madueke and Eze provide enough width and end product?
  • Everton without Grealish and Branthwaite look short of creativity and defensive solidity — will they park the bus?

What happens next

Arsenal travel to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League before returning to Premier League action. Everton, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in their next fixture. The result at the Emirates could shape the early-season title race, with Arsenal needing to keep pace with Manchester City.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ezri Konsa starting for Arsenal vs Everton?

Yes, Ezri Konsa continues alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence with William Saliba still out with a back injury.

Why is Bukayo Saka not playing for Arsenal?

Saka is facing up to eight weeks on the sidelines with a quad injury, so Noni Madueke starts on the right wing.

Who is starting up front for Arsenal against Everton?

Viktor Gyokeres is handed a chance to impress up front, with Kai Havertz dropping to the bench.

Filed under: Predicted Lineups | LA Premier League Home