Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to hand Declan Rice a starting role when the Gunners face Everton in the Premier League today, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. The England international is expected to play a crucial role in midfield as Arsenal look to continue their strong domestic campaign and secure another important victory in front of their home supporters.
Rice has become one of the most important players in Arteta’s squad since arriving at Arsenal, establishing himself as a reliable presence in midfield through his defensive work, energy, leadership and ability to contribute in attacking situations.
Although Arsenal are coming into the fixture after a demanding Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich, Rice remains an important option for Arteta as the Gunners prepare to face an Everton side determined to make life difficult for the hosts.
However, while Rice is expected to start, Arsenal have not publicly confirmed the complete starting lineup ahead of kick-off. The final team selection will depend on Arteta’s tactical plans and his assessment of the players’ fitness.
Arteta Counts on Rice’s Experience
Declan Rice has demonstrated his importance to Arsenal through his ability to influence matches in different ways. The midfielder can protect the defence, win possession, carry the ball forward and provide support when his teammates move into attacking positions.
Against Everton, these qualities could prove particularly important because Arsenal will need to control the midfield while remaining alert to the visitors’ counterattacking threat.
Rice’s ability to recover possession and quickly distribute the ball gives Arsenal an advantage when attempting to establish control over their opponents. His presence also allows the team’s more creative players to move forward with greater confidence.
Arteta has consistently built his tactical approach around players who can perform several responsibilities during a match. Rice fits that profile because he combines physical strength with tactical discipline and an understanding of when to advance or remain in a defensive position.
His expected involvement against Everton would therefore be a significant part of Arsenal’s preparations for the encounter.
Why Rice Could Be Important Against Everton
Everton are expected to approach the match with determination, particularly because Arsenal will be playing at home and are under pressure to collect three points.
The visitors could attempt to frustrate the Gunners by defending in compact areas and looking for opportunities to attack quickly whenever possession changes hands.
Rice’s defensive awareness could help Arsenal deal with that challenge. His ability to track opposition runners, challenge for loose balls and cover spaces in front of the defence could reduce the opportunities available to Everton.
The midfielder can also help Arsenal maintain possession when the opposition presses aggressively.
Rather than allowing Everton to dictate the rhythm of the game, Rice could help the Gunners move the ball from defence into attack while keeping the team organised.
His positioning alongside the other midfielders will be particularly important. Arsenal need to find the right balance between creating opportunities and ensuring that Everton cannot exploit spaces left behind by attacking players.
If Rice delivers a disciplined performance, Arsenal could find it easier to establish control and create opportunities throughout the match.
Arsenal Need a Response After Bayern Munich Draw
Arsenal’s preparations for Everton follow their 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The result demonstrated the Gunners’ ability to compete against strong European opposition, but the demanding encounter also means Arteta must carefully manage the physical condition of his players.
Rice scored during the Bayern match, making another contribution in an important European fixture. His performance underlined the value he brings to Arsenal, particularly when the team needs a midfielder capable of making decisive contributions at both ends of the pitch.
However, the short recovery period between matches could influence Arteta’s decisions.
Arsenal face a busy schedule, and the manager must ensure that his most important players remain capable of performing consistently throughout the season.
Rice’s fitness and recovery will therefore be important considerations before the Everton encounter.
Despite those concerns, his importance to the midfield makes him a strong candidate to retain his place in the starting lineup.
Rice’s Partnership With Arsenal’s Midfielders
Another reason Rice could start against Everton is the balance he provides alongside Arsenal’s other midfield options.
The Gunners have several players capable of contributing creatively, but the team also needs someone who can protect the defence and help maintain its tactical structure.
Rice can perform that responsibility while supporting attacking transitions.
When Martin Odegaard receives possession between the lines, Rice can help provide the defensive security needed for the captain to concentrate on creating opportunities.
He can also combine with Bruno Guimaraes, whose technical quality and ability to progress the ball could help Arsenal dominate possession.
The exact midfield combination will depend on Arteta’s selection, but Rice’s versatility gives the manager several tactical possibilities.
Against an Everton team that could attempt to close down central spaces, Arsenal will need midfielders who can make intelligent decisions under pressure.
Rice’s experience in the Premier League should help him manage those situations.
Everton Could Test Arsenal’s Defensive Organisation
Arsenal cannot afford to underestimate Everton, even though the Gunners will have the advantage of playing at the Emirates Stadium.
Everton will want to frustrate the home supporters by making the match difficult and taking advantage of any mistakes made by the hosts.
Their approach could involve pressing at selected moments, competing for second balls and attempting to exploit spaces whenever Arsenal commit players forward.
Rice’s positioning could become decisive in those situations.
The midfielder will need to recognise when to challenge for possession and when to remain in position to prevent Everton from launching dangerous counterattacks.
His physical presence could also prove valuable during set-piece situations, where Arsenal will need to defend carefully against Everton’s aerial threat.
At the other end of the pitch, Rice can contribute by arriving outside the penalty area, supporting attacks and helping Arsenal recover possession quickly after losing the ball.
These responsibilities demonstrate why his potential starting role matters beyond simply adding another midfielder to the team.
Arsenal Supporters Will Expect Another Strong Performance
Rice has earned considerable support from Arsenal fans because of his commitment, consistency and willingness to work for the team.
Supporters will hope he can carry his positive form into the Everton fixture and help Arsenal secure another important result.
His goal against Bayern Munich will have provided additional confidence, although the midfielder’s responsibilities against Everton may be different.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on attacking contributions, Rice could be required to provide defensive stability and help Arsenal control the tempo of the contest.
That versatility is one of his greatest strengths.
Arsenal will also need contributions from their forwards and creative midfielders, especially with Bukayo Saka unavailable after suffering a thigh injury against Bayern Munich.
Arteta must find an effective attacking combination without one of his most influential players. Rice’s ability to support the attack from deeper positions could become particularly useful as Arsenal look for alternative ways to create scoring opportunities.
Arteta’s Selection Could Be Crucial
The Arsenal manager faces an important decision regarding how much rotation is necessary after the midweek European fixture.
Keeping Rice in the starting lineup would provide continuity and experience, but Arteta must also consider the demands of Arsenal’s upcoming matches.
The midfielder’s fitness, tactical responsibilities and recovery will all influence the final decision.
If selected, Rice will be expected to help Arsenal control the central areas of the pitch, protect the defence and provide a platform for the team’s attacking players.
Arsenal have ambitions to compete strongly on multiple fronts this season, meaning every Premier League fixture carries significant importance.
Dropping points against Everton could complicate their efforts to maintain pressure on their rivals at the top of the table.
Consequently, Arteta will want his team to approach the game with concentration, intensity and confidence.
Conclusion
Declan Rice is expected to play a major role when Arsenal face Everton at the Emirates Stadium today, October 24, 2026. His defensive discipline, midfield leadership and ability to contribute in attack make him a strong candidate to start as Arteta seeks another Premier League victory.
Following his goal against Bayern Munich, Rice will be hoping to maintain his positive form and help the Gunners overcome a potentially difficult challenge.
Nevertheless, the reported expectation that Rice will start should not be mistaken for an official confirmation from Arteta. Arsenal’s confirmed lineup will reveal whether the England international begins the match or is rested.
For Arsenal, the objective remains clear: control the midfield, create scoring opportunities and secure three valuable points against Everton.
