Everton vs Arsenal: Match preview, betting tips and predictions

Everton vs Arsenal: Match preview, betting tips and predictions - Arteta seeks redemption against Everton

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang fires one against Southampton in their 1-1 draw at the Emirates on Wednesday (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Everton vs Arsenal

Goodison Park

6:30pm

 

Everton has lost to Arsenal in the premier league more than to any other side, but teams that haven’t achieved against Arsenal are re-writing history this season, is this a sign for Everton as Arsenal visits?

 

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal may have halted a horrific run of defeats with a precious point earned at home against Southampton, majority of their problems reared heads again and it’s becoming their identity considering how disciplined they used to be.

Gabriel Maghalaes was sent off within four minutes of his first booking, while the first was actually debatable as it was a standard practice for defenders to try to buy time by kicking the ball as far as they can to afford the opportunity to regroup before a quick set play finds them out of position but you can’t fault the second and unfortunately, VAR doesn’t alter second yellows.

That was the seventh red card for Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took over, Gabriel’s was understandable as it was in the line of duty, how do you explain Xhaka’s sending off against Burnley and Nicolas Pepe’s against Leeds?

Everton are back on top of bookmakers list after a sensational result against Chelsea was followed up by an away win at Leicester, it’s up to them to sustain the momentum and try to halt a run of poor results against Arsenal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on top of the goal scorer’s chat, he will relish the opportunity to go up against an Arsenal defense without Gabriel which leaves us to wonder what Arteta’s options are.

David Luiz is back and available for selection, he filled in when the former Lille defender got his marching orders.

Everton are at advantage here, although Carlo Ancelotti announced at his presser on Friday that the trio of Allan, James Rodriguez and Fabian Delph will be unavailable for the fixture but a resurgent Alex Iwobi can come handy against his boyhood club.

Arsenal will have the opportunity to recall Hector Bellerin, who was suspended for the Southampton game.

But Ainsley Maitland Niles didn’t do badly in his stead and should keep his place.

Elneny’s energy is needed but can Arteta give some chance to Emile Smith Rowe as a creative force?

Thomas Partey will be away till the New Year, and Granit Xhaka won’t be back until after another two games, Arsenal fans however would hope he has played his last game for the Gunners.

A win for Everton here will take them into the top four again and they can dream with the upcoming festive fixtures.

How much they will spend in the winter window is left to be seen as they try to get a right-back cover for the ever injured Seamus Coleman, but the same can’t be said of Arsenal considering how unbalanced their books are.

Richarlison is a different man under Ancelotti, he has to work on his discipline though but he will lick his lips at the opportunity to run down the left where Arsenal are most vulnerable.

 

Verdict: Everton to win