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[Image] Bellerin returns, Xhaka left out: The Arsenal XI Freddie should pick vs Everton

By mac14 on December 20, 2019

Freddie Ljungberg takes charge of his final game before Mikel Arteta’s arrival when Arsenal take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. Here is the line-up I’d like Freddie to select…

Bellerin fit?

Hector Bellerin will have a late fitness test on a hamstring injury that’s kept him out of Arsenal’s last three matches. He only narrowly missed the defeat to Man City last weekend and has had another week to regain fitness so I expect Bellerin to return on Saturday which will be a big boost.

However, Arsenal have major issues at left-back as Kieran Tierney has been ruled out for three months with a dislocated shoulder while Sead Kolasinac is out for a few weeks with an ankle injury. I think the best solution is for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to fill-in at left-back but Freddie may decide to promote one of the youngster such as Zach Medley.

Rob Holding remains a doubt with a knee injury. If he’s fit I would certainly start him but I have a feeling he’ll miss out while Sokratis will serve a one game suspension after collecting five yellow cards. Therefore, we have little option other than to go with Calum Chambers and David Luiz as Shkodran Mustafi isn’t a serious option.

Xhaka out

Granit Xhaka is available again after missing the last two games with concussion but I would leave him out and go with Matteo Guendouzi alongside Lucas Torreira in the middle of the park.

Dani Ceballos should return to full training next week as he looks to recover from a hamstring injury but he’s still unavailable for the trip to Everton tomorrow. Joe Willock will be an option from the bench.

Mesut Ozil is a slight doubt for the game with a foot problem but if he passes a late fitness test I’d keep him in the No.10 role. Ozil was poor against City and he’s clearly well past him best but we don’t really have too many other top class options to play ahead of him.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should once again lead the line up front meaning Alexandre Lacazette will be on the bench. Having them both in the side doesn’t work but Laca will be a great option to have in the second half.

Gabriel Martinelli deserves to keep his place in the attack so Bukayo Saka will have to settle for a place on the bench while Nicolas Pepe completes my line-up on the right-wing.

Here is how I hope Arsenal line-up: