In what will be the concluding fixture of this match week, Everton will lock horns with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in a few hours. The Toffees are desperate for a win, after slumping to a 3:1 defeat against West Ham United in their last game.
In addition, they are also winless in their previous three matches in the Premier League and thus, bagging all three points could be imperative as they aim to get back among the English giants this season.
Arsenal, however, could be a tough nut to crack, given their impressive form leading up to this fixture. The Gunners have registered four consecutive wins in all competitions and will be aiming for their fifth against the under pressure Merseyside team.
Team news
Just like Arsenal, Everton will be missing a host of their star players. James McCarthy and Phil Jagielka are sidelined with their respective injuries while Merseyside giants will also be without the services of Seamus Coleman, Andre Gomes and youngster Beni Baningime. But in a huge boost, Richarlison will be back after serving his 3-match suspension. Yerry Mina and Michael Keane are back in training but are unlikely to feature.
PREDICTED EVERTON LINEUP VS ARSENAL
Defence
With so many defenders out injured, head coach Marco Silva will be somewhat forced to name the same defensive lineup that featured against West Ham with Jordan Pickford starting in goal.
Jonjoe Kenny will deputize for the injured Seamus Coleman in the right-back position while Lucas Digne will retain his place on the opposite flank. Kenny attempted three tackles and made two interceptions against West Ham and it will be interesting to see if he can prove himself useful on the right flank this weekend.
Mason Holgate and Kurt Zouma will form the central defensive partnership for Everton. Holgate is averaging a whopping 6.2 clearances per game this season and one would expect him to remain busy against the dangerous Arsenal attack.
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin will retain their places at the heart of Everton’s formation. Gueye will play a pivotal role in Everton’s press, having averaged six tackles per game this season. He also attains an impressive tally of 2 interceptions per game, which is more than decent for a central midfielder.
But, while the duo of Gueye and Schneiderlin will be looking to stay resolute and screen the defensive backline, Gylfi Sigurdsson will be tasked with the responsibility of providing the main creative spark for the Everton attack.
Attack
This will be the second homecoming for Theo Walcott, who made the move from Arsenal to Merseyside earlier this year, after spending almost a decade in North London. He will be deployed as the right winger with new signing Richarlison starting on the opposite flank while the attack will be led by Cenk Tosun, who is yet to score a single goal in the Premier League this season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
