Mikel Arteta to Make Changes for Arsenal as Key Players Rest
The Gunners drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday and now face a busy week. Mikel Arteta wants to keep his players fresh for the second leg next week. The reports say he will make at least four changes to the starting team. Two big stars, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi, are set to be rested.
Why Rest the Star Players?
Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi both looked tired after the midweek game in Germany. Saka was marked tightly and could not do much. He needs a break to stay sharp for the big Champions League trip. Zubimendi lost the ball 11 times against Leverkusen. He joined from Real Sociedad last summer and has played a lot of minutes this season. Mikel Arteta gave him a rest in the FA Cup earlier, and now is the right time again. Everton are not the strongest side at home for Arsenal, so resting key men makes sense to avoid injuries and keep energy high.
Fresh Face in Defence
One big change comes at left-back. Riccardo Calafiori is expected to start instead of Piero Hincapie. Calafiori has been the second-choice left-back this season. He last started a league game in early February against Sunderland. Hincapie has played almost every match lately, so he can sit out and prepare for Leverkusen. Calafiori is strong and quick. The fans hope he brings more energy down the left side. The back four should still stay solid with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhรฃes in the middle.
New Look in Midfield
In the middle of the park, Christian Norgaard is set to make his first full league start. The ยฃ15 million summer signing has only played 56 minutes in the Premier League so far. He replaces Zubimendi in the number six role. Norgaard has been knocking on the door and trained well. Declan Rice should stay alongside him for balance. This gives Norgaard a chance to show what he can do. Arteta has praised the squad depth all season, and now he can test it against Everton.
Boost for the Attack
Up front, two fresh options should start. Noni Madueke is likely to take Sakaโs spot on the right wing. When Madueke came on against Leverkusen, he looked direct and quick. He won a penalty, passed well, and won every duel. Mikel Arteta called him โvery braveโ after the game. Kai Havertz moves into an attacking midfield spot. He scored from the penalty spot as a striker midweek and can now link play higher up. Eberechi Eze had a quiet game in Germany, so this swap freshens things up. Viktor Gyรถkeres and Gabriel Martinelli should keep their places to lead the line.
What the Line-Up Might Look Like
A possible team for Arsenal: David Raya in goal; Jurrien Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Calafiori in defence; Rice and Norgaard in midfield; Madueke, Havertz, and Martinelli in attack; with Gyรถkeres up top. This side mixes experience with fresh legs. It keeps the 4-2-3-1 shape that Arteta likes but adds the new spark.
Why These Changes Matter
The rotation is key for Arsenal right now. They sit near the top of the table and want to push for the title. Everton will be tough but beatable at home. Giving Saka and Zubimendi a rest protects them for tougher games ahead. Bringing in Calafiori, Norgaard, Madueke, and Havertz gives other players belief. If the changes work, Arsenal can take three points and go into the Champions League clash full of confidence. One thing is clear that Mikel Arteta is thinking long-term to help Arsenal win big this year.
