Arsenal XI vs Sunderland confirmed as Arteta benches Bruno Guimaraes

Mikel Arteta has named his Arsenal starting XI for Saturday night’s Premier League clash against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The biggest call comes in midfield, where Bruno Guimarães has been left on the bench despite pushing for his first Premier League start for the Gunners.

Myles Lewis-Skelly instead starts alongside Declan Rice, with captain Martin Ødegaard operating further forward.

Kai Havertz leads the attack, while Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis retain their places either side of the Germany international.

Arsenal starting XI vs Sunderland

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard; Saka, Tzolis; Havertz.

Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Hincapié, Eze, Timber, Gyökeres, Madueke, Merino, Zubimendi, Guimarães.

The midfield decision is particularly notable after Guimarães had been widely tipped to start.

The Standard predicted the £75million summer signing would come into Arteta’s side alongside Rice after returning from injury. 

Instead, Lewis-Skelly has been given the opportunity from the start.

That differs from ReadArsenal’s predicted Arsenal XI against Sunderland, where Guimarães had been one of Arteta’s major selection decisions.

Timber returns to Arsenal squad

There is positive news for Jurriën Timber.

The Netherlands international is named on the bench after working his way back towards fitness.

Arteta revealed before the game that Timber had been training with the squad and was looking in good shape, although a late decision was expected over his availability. 

Cristhian Mosquera, however, is absent from the matchday squad.

ReadArsenal’s latest Arsenal injury news before Sunderland had both defenders pushing to return.

William Saliba remains unavailable, leaving Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori as Arteta’s back four.

Further forward, Viktor Gyökeres again has to settle for a place among the substitutes as Havertz retains the central striking role.

Arsenal head into the 8pm kick-off looking to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.