Arnie is benched as Pellegrini sends out message

Despite Manuel Pellegrini confirming that Marko Arnautovic is fit and available for selection, the Austrian striker has only made the bench today as the manager sticks with the team they almost beat Liverpool on Monday.

The Chilean manager confirmed that the 29-year old striker has recovered from a foot injury and trained all week but instead has rewarded Javier Hernandez for his impressive display earlier this week. It appears Pellegrini is sending out a message so Arnie knows who is in charge!

Ryan Fredericks has also got the nod ahead of Pablo Zabaleta who also finds himself on the bench for the second Premier League game running.

Despite only managing a draw against second-placed Liverpool, it felt like a win and Pellegrini has shown loyalty and faith in the team that showed so much determination on Monday night at the London Stadium.

Starting Lineup: Fabianski, Fredericks, Ogbonna, Diop, Cresswell, Rice, Noble, Snodgrass, Antonio, Anderson and Chicharito

Subs are: Adrian, Masuaku, Zabaleta, Obiang, Diangana, Carroll and Arnautovic