Premier League leaders Arsenal return to domestic action on Saturday evening when they welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium. The clash comes at an important stage of the season as the Gunners aim to protect their lead at the top of the table while the Toffees continue pushing for a potential European spot.
Manager Mikel Arteta saw his side narrowly avoid defeat in midweek during their UEFA Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen. Arsenal had fallen behind after Robert Andrich headed home from a corner, but a late penalty from Kai Havertz secured a 1-1 draw against his former club.
Although the performance left plenty to be desired, the result means Arsenal remain in a strong position ahead of the second leg in North London. In recent weeks, the Gunners have made a habit of grinding out results rather than dominating games, but those victories have helped them maintain a healthy lead in the Premier League title race.
Wins over Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion have kept Arsenal seven points clear of defending champions Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand.
One factor strongly working in Arsenal’s favour is their home form. Since a shock defeat to Manchester United earlier in the year, Arteta’s men have won five consecutive league matches at the Emirates, scoring multiple goals in most of those outings.
Meanwhile, Everton arrive in North London in confident mood under the experienced guidance of David Moyes. The Toffees recently secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley, with James Tarkowski and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall finding the net.
That result boosted Everton’s hopes of finishing in the European qualification places. They currently sit just a point behind Brentford in seventh, while the gap to Liverpool and Chelsea in the higher European spots remains within reach.
Interestingly, Everton have been particularly strong away from home this season. Of their 43 league points so far, 24 have come on the road, giving them one of the best away records in the league.
However, recent meetings favour Arsenal. The Gunners secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Goodison Park earlier in the campaign and are unbeaten in their last six league matches against Everton.
Team News
Arsenal could welcome back a couple of players who were absent in midweek. Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard missed the trip to Germany and remain doubts for this weekend’s match.Defensive duo Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were fit enough to make the bench against Leverkusen and could return to the starting lineup. The only confirmed absentee for Arsenal is Mikel Merino, who remains sidelined with a foot injury.
On the wings, Bukayo Saka could regain his place after being substituted during the Champions League clash, while Noni Madueke impressed after coming off the bench.
For Everton, Moyes is dealing with relatively few injury problems. Jack Grealish, Seamus Coleman, and Carlos Alcaraz are expected to miss the match, but the rest of the squad should be available.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been in excellent form recently, producing standout performances against Burnley and Newcastle United. However, the England international is approaching an unwanted milestone, sitting just two goals away from conceding 500 in the Premier League.
Possible Starting Lineups
Arsenal:Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Havertz
Everton:
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry
Expert Prediction
Arsenal 2-0 Everton
