Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could make two attacking changes during the Premier League clash against Everton at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
The Gunners are currently three points behind league leaders Manchester City, but the gap could be nullified with a win if the Cityzens lose to Aston Villa away in the early kick-off.
Everton have proved a stubborn defensive outfit under manager David Moyes, and last season’s victory at the Emirates Stadium was a nail-bitter with two late goals from the Gunners.
Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock in the 89th minute with an easy tap-in before Max Dowman grabbed the headlines by becoming the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer after a superb solo run.
Dowman looks unlikely to get the nod over Noni Madueke on the right wing. The 24-year-old has made regular goal contributions this month and should start with Bukayo Saka out injured.
Saka sustained a quadriceps injury against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and BBC Sport report that the club graduate could be on the sidelines for potentially six to eight weeks.
However, there is a possibility that Gyokeres could get the nod upfront. The Swede scored in both meetings against the Toffees last season. He scored a fine penalty away from home.
With Everton widely expected to play with a mid-to-low defensive block, Arsenal require a striker with a poacher’s instinct in the box, which Gyokeres offers more than Kai Havertz, in our view.
Havertz is better with his link-up and hold-up play, but offered little at Bayern midweek. Gyokeres displayed a better physical presence and provided the assist for Declan Rice’s late equaliser (2-2).
We feel Gyokeres would be better suited for today’s fixture up front. It could be a game decided by the odd goal, and the 28-year-old could make the difference with his presence in the box.
It is time for Arteta to hand Gyokeres his first start of the league campaign.
The other change looks quite obvious. Eberechi Eze was introduced after Saka’s injury midweek. He slotted in on the left wing, with Madueke moving to the right, and made an immediate impact.
Eze broke the deadlock with a fine run behind Bayern’s defence before his left-footed strike beyond goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. He also won nine duels and had a ‘great game‘, as per Arteta.
Starting him on the left wing is a no-brainer. He redeemed himself after a lacklustre display at Nottingham Forest, and appears poised to get the nod with Christos Tzolis still injured.
Arsenal’s likely attack vs Everton
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com