Arsenal and Lille Team News: Gyokeres starts among five changes, with Giroud on the bench for visitors

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER and MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER Updated: 19:04 13 Oct 2026

Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage for the latest updates as Manchester United travel to Atletico Madrid and Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League.

Dion Dublin, former Man United striker, speaking to BetVictor:

Before you come at me, I'm aware that I spoke of how Atletico Madrid have a superb record against Manchester United.

However, that's about the only English club they play well against.

The hosts have only won two of their last 15 games against English sides (D3 L10).

Of course, we watched them lose to Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield, even after Marcos Llorente got his customary goal at the Kop end.

So, United could both end their torrid record against Diego Simeone's side and continue English clubs' dominance over them.

It feels like a big night for Viktor Gyokeres, who will lead the line for Arsenal.

The Swedish forward has made six appearances for the Gunners this season, but his only starts have come in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich and the Champions League against Napoli.

Mikel Arteta has preferred Kai Havertz up front in the Premier League, with Gyokeres having just 56 minutes on the pitch so far in the top flight and has been an unused substitute three times.

Gyokeres was in fine form for Sweden during their recent Nations League matches, with the forward scoring in each of their four fixtures.

Can he carry that form over tonight and score his first goal for Arsenal this season?

There is a familiar name in the Lille dugout. Ancelotti.

It's not Carlo but his son Davide, who took charge of the Ligue 1 side in the summer.

Davide is in his second managerial job following a short spell at Botafogo, with the 37-year-old now breaking out on his own having served in his father's backroom staff before now.

Daily Mail Sport's Alex Jennings has taken a closer look at the Lille boss as he faces the daunting challenge of trying to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, who has won the European Cup seven times as a player and manager.

Ashley Young, former Man United winger, speaking to Daily Mail Sport:

The Manchester United winger played only a minor part in the clash against Tottenham after returning from injury. But now that injury must be long gone because he has the all-clear.

The United man is yet to really catch fire since returning to the club from Barcelona, without a single goal involvement despite over 400 minutes of action this season.

He will certainly be out to change that stat tonight, won't he?

Mikel Arteta makes five changes to the Arsenal starting line-up that overcame Leeds on the weekend.

Matchwinner Bruno Guimaraes comes into the team alongside Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino.

There is also a start up front for Viktor Gyokeres.

It looks like Lewis-Skelly will be moving from midfield to left back for the Gunners this evening. There is no rest either for Declan Rice, who starts in midfield.

Arsenal fans wanting to see the return of Oliver Giroud will have to wait. The former Gunner starts on the bench for Lille.

Michael Carrick's big call is that he brings in Marcus Rashford off the left with Amad Diallo dropping out. There is also a full debut for Carlos Baleba.

Ayden Heaven, Diogo Dalot and Andrey Santos also come in, with Kobbie Mainoo one of the big names missing out through injury, alongside Luke Shaw.

Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez leads the line for Atletico.

The players are rocking up in both Madrid and north London, which can mean only one thing: it's almost time for team news.

We should know in just a matter of minutes who will be lining up in our four teams of interest this evening.

There is going to be a minute's silence at the Metropolitano before the match this evening.

The two teams are going to pay their respects to Koke's mother, Doña Ana Merodio Borja, who sadly passed away this morning.

Of course, it means that the midfielder will now be absent from the game as he spends time with his family.

With team news on the way shortly, it will be interesting to see whether Declan Rice is in the starting line-up for Arsenal today.

Daily Mail Sport's Isaan Khan believes the time in right for Mikel Arteta give his exhausted midfielder a rest. The question is… will he?

More from Michael Carrick, Man United boss, on dealing with pressure:

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