Arsenal fans had a mixed end to the January transfer window this year. While they managed to land a superstar in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on deadline day, Arsenal fell to a disastrous 3-1 loss to Swansea City, leaving themselves with far too much to do, to break into the top-4 this season. They cannot afford to drop any more points, but face a tricky fixture, when they welcome Sam Allardyce’s Everton to the Emirates this weekend.
The Toffees are fresh from a 2-1 victory over Leicester City but are 11 points behind their immediate opponents in this game. Any complacency might all but push Arsenal out of contention for a place in the UCL next season and Wenger will look to take maximum points from this game. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Santi Cazorla remains the only long-term absentee for Arsenal, who will welcome back Jack Wilshere, who missed the previous game with an illness. Danny Welbeck is also not too far away from first-team action, but might not play any role in this game. The biggest question will be whether Wenger decides to start Aubameyang. The Gabon international is already training with the squad and is up for selection along with fellow newbie Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Petr Cech’s horrendous mistake was a major part of the reason which cost Arsenal all three points against Swansea. He will hope to put in a better show against the Toffees this weekend. Hector Bellerin remains the first choice right back for Wenger as Sead Kolasinac is expected to start at left-back. Both players will have to add width in attack, against a well drilled Everton side.
Skipper Laurent Koscielny has not been at his best recently and will have a tough task against the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cenk Tosun in this game. Shkodran Mustafi remains the first choice CB for Wenger and should partner Koscielny this weekend.
Midfield:
Granit Xhaka has done well to add some stability to this Arsenal midfield. He is expected to keep his place in the side alongside Aaron Ramsey, who had a torrid time against the Swans. Mohamed Elneny got his chance to impress in the previous game and failed, which might see Jack Wilshere start this game, in an advanced midfield role.
Attack:
Mesut Ozil, who recently signed a new deal with Arsenal, is one of the first names on the team sheet for Arsenal. He should start on the right wing while Henrikh Mkhitaryan should replace Alex Iwobi on the left flank.
Alexandre Lacazette has failed to replicate his goalscoring form in England and should be replaced by Aubameyang, who is expected to make his debut in England.
Here is how they might line up:
