Everton vs Arsenal: Match Preview

I doubt many expected Arsenal to come away with a positive result against Barcelona in the Champions League, but at least there was a slight improvement in the performance after a disappointing defeat against Watford. The Gunners now face a tough trip to Goodison Park where they play Everton in the early kick off on Saturday.

Arsenal are without a victory in their last three Premier League games, and have only managed one win in their last eight games in all competitions, so a trip to Everton could quite easily make matters worse.

The Toffees will be hoping star striker Romelu Lukaku will continue his fine for in what could be a tight fixture. The big Belgian has netted six goals in his last six games in all competitions, and will be looking to expose the vulnerable Arsenal defence, who were picked apart on Wednesday night.

A win for Arsenal is vital, not so much for their title challenge, but for their manager. Arsene Wenger has been heavily criticised for his sides underperformance, and his position as Arsenal manager is being questioned once again. Of course one win doesn’t resolve Arsenal’s problems, but it will certainly relieve some of the pressure that is being piled onto them.

The Gunners will be desperate for their attacking players to rediscover their goal scoring form. The likes of Sanchez, Walcott, Ozil and Giroud have been far too lacklustre in recent performances and must step up to the plate. One man who might feature due to the underperformances of others is 19 year old Alex Iwobi. The youngster was a surprise starter against Barcelona, but proved he has the quality to start for the first team. The directness and confidence to run with the ball in which the teenager posses, could add an extra dimension to Arsenal’s attack, and could be the breath of fresh air that they need.

With Arsenal’s poor run of form, an Everton victory would not be a shock result to anyone at all. However, surely this Arsenal team will get back to winning ways at some point?

Predicted starting line ups:

Everton:

Robles, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines, Besic, McCarthy, Lennon, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lukaku

Arsenal:

Ospina, Bellerin, Koscienly, Gabriel, Monreal, Coquelin, Elneny, Iwobi, Ozil, Alexis, Welbeck