Arsenal predicted XI vs Everton: Ozil to return as Gunners aim for 10 unbeaten

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday as they welcome fellow European contenders Everton to the Emirates. 

Mikel Arteta’s side play just three days after a 1-0 victory away to Olympiacos in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

Having defeated Newcastle United 4-0 in their last league outing, the Gunners know another victory is needed to keep them in the race for European qualification.

Arsenal are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions but, having drawn four of their past five league matches, Arteta will be craving more victories.

After being appointed the day before, the Spaniard watched from the stands as his two former clubs played out a goalless draw at Goodison Park back in December.

So which players will be tasked with the challenge of picking up a vital three points? Here we predict Arteta’s XI…

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno is Arsenal’s number 1 and will maintain his record of having played in every Premier League match for the Gunners this season.

Defenders: Arteta gave Hector Bellerin a rest in Greece but will reinstate the right-back for the clash against the Toffees. The Spaniard should take his place alongside David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Bukayo Saka in the same back-four which registered a clean sheet against Newcastle. 

Midfielders: Mesut Ozil didn’t travel to Athens but will have the chance to continue his decent Premier League form against Everton. The German is expected to play in the number 10 role ahead of Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos, meaning Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock will come out.

Forwards: After ending his two-month goal drought against Newcastle, Alexandre Lacazette followed it up with the winner against Olympiacos. The Frenchman will be given the chance to make that three in a row against Everton. Top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe, who also both scored against Newcastle, will provide additional firepower.

Predicted XI: Leno, Bellerin, Mustafi, David Luiz, Saka; Xhaka, Ceballos, Ozil; Pepe, Aubameyang, Lacazette.