Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made five changes to the starting line-up for today’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners returned to winning ways on Tuesday night with an impressive 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League group stage.
Gabriel Jesus was the star of the game with a goal and an assist, but he is not involved against the Blades after sustaining a hamstring injury.
He has been replaced by Eddie Nketiah in the starting XI today. Aside from him, Emile Smith Rowe has earned a surprise start for the Gunners.
The club is making his first league start of the campaign ahead of Martin Odegaard, who has looked off-colour in the past two games in all competitions.
Apart from the duo, there are also starts for Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the back four.
Kiwior has taken the place of Gabriel Magalhaes and will partner William Saliba in the heart of the defence.
Zinchenko, who was an unused substitute during the midweek European victory in Seville, has replaced Takehiro Tomiyasu in the left-back position.
Kai Havertz is the other change from Tuesday. The German has got the nod over Jorginho which means Declan Rice will start in the defensive midfield role.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Declan Rice, Kai Havertz; Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli; Eddie Nketiah.
Arsenal are overwhelming favourites to beat the Blades with home advantage today. A victory would reduce the deficit to leaders Tottenham Hotspur to just two points.
Arteta has surprised many fans by ringing in the changes. The likes of Kiwior, Havertz and Smith Rowe have the opportunity to cement their spots with stand-out displays.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
