Arsenal’s big money summer signing has scored just once in his last ten Premier League games

Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make in attack for Arsenal’s trip to face Everton on Saturday night.

The Gunners will find themselves second in the Premier League table by the time they kick off if Manchester City beat West Ham earlier in the day.

Viktor Gyokeres struggled in the win over Wolves last weekend and is yet to score since returning from a hamstring injury.

Arteta could therefore be tempted to start Mikel Merino up front, with the Spaniard scoring twice and assisting three times in a run of five matches when Gyokeres was out.

“He’s certainly an option,” the Arsenal boss said of Merino on Friday.

“I think he’s given us every reason as well to consider him in a really serious way.”

There is also a chance that Gabriel Jesus comes in for his first start since January, but the Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace on Tuesday could be a better opportunity for him.

Riccardo Calafiori is available again after suspension and could come straight back into the starting lineup at left-back.

There could be a change in midfield, with Martin Odegaard potentially coming into the side to replace Eberechi Eze after starting on the bench against Wolves.

On the left, Leandro Trossard has been bright in recent matches and he could earn a start in place of Gabriel Martinelli.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

Injured: Gabriel, Mosquera, White, Dowman, Havertz

Time and date: 8pm GMT, Saturday December 20, 2025

Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium

Take a look at Liverpool’s preparations for their trip to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The Reds head to the capital on Saturday for a 5.30pm GMT showdown with Thomas Frank’s Spurs.

Arne Slot’s men completed a session on the eve of the game at the AXA Training Centre, and our photographers were there to capture it.

We make the trip up to Everton on Saturday, looking for a victory that would ensure we remain top of the Premier League for Christmas, and you can watch the best of our preparations with the latest edition of Inside Training.

Our 2-1 win over Wolves maintained our unbeaten run at Emirates Stadium this season, and we’ll be looking to follow last weekend’s result up with another win in what will be our very first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Press play on the video at the top of the screen to see what Mikel Arteta’s squad have been up to at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Read more

The story of Mikel Arteta’s six years at Everton

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