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Everton FC
Emirates Stadium, London
Saturday, 24th October, 2015, 1730 GMT
Arsenal FC and Everton FC are on two different spectrums, at least in terms of confidence right now. While the Gunners defeated Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich in their recent Champions League fixture, Everton FC are coming on the back of a 3-0 home loss to Manchester United.
The Toffees however, have been better than their usual selves, this season, and manager Roberto Martinez has received a lot of accolades, for introducing his brand of entertaining football into the Merseyside club.
Everton FC are just where they want to be (eighth on the Premier League table), and a result at the Emirates could make them quite happy.
Team News and Tactical Brief:
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC are on a great run of form, and have done little wrong, in the Premier League, this season, winning six of their nine league matches. The Gunners now find themselves in the perfect position to challenge for the Premier League title, as they are sitting pretty on the second position, just two points behind Manchester City FC.
However, manager Arsene Wenger does have a few worries, heading into the match, with his chief problem being the absence of iconic midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who pulled a hamstring during their Champions League match against Bayern. Although Wenger has a capable enough deputy, in England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wenger would be hoping that the Welshman recovers quickly.
Another key player, who could be made to sit-out, is Alexis Sanchez, who Wenger believes, is exhausted because of the rigours of club and international football. As the Chilean played in the midweek, there is a chance that Wenger might decide to start him from the bench. However, the possibility of that happening is quite low, as Everton FC are a good side, and the Gunners tend to depend heavily on the creativity and industriousness of the Chilean, to take them through.
Everton FC
Roberto Martineza s side have been performing well, on the attacking front, but have been found wanting in defence, quite often. A prime example of that, is their last Premier League match against Manchester United, when Anthony Martial ran riot, cutting in from the left flank. Everton FC fullback Seamus Coleman was completely humiliated by Manchester United, last time round, and is in the need of a good showing against Arsenal FC.
It could get all the more worse for Coleman, who would be facing Sanchez (if he plays), and that is a daunting prospect for any defender. Coleman would surely require the assistance of his wingers, Aaron Lennon, or Gerard Deulofeu.
One good news for Martinez is that both Steven Piennar and Tom Cleverley are set to come back from their injuries. The Toffees would be looking to get at least a draw out of this game.
Key facts:
- Arsenal FC have a much superior record against the Toffees, who have failed to win any of their last 20 matches against the Gunners, in all competitions.
- In the Premier League, that record translates to nine wins and six draws for Arsenal FC, against Everton FC, in their last 16 matches. Everton FC have managed to win only one.
- The last time Everton FC defeated Arsenal FC away from home, was almost 20 seasons ago, when the Toffees won 2-1 at Highbury, in 1996.
- Roberto Martinez could have some ace up his sleeve, as Everton FC have already had five of their subbed players score this season.
- Everton FC have been rather strong on the road this season, keeping three clean sheets frosm four away games in the Premier League, this season.
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Player to watch out for:
Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal FC)
The Chilean is in the form of his if, scoring seven goals from his last 10 domestic and international matches. In fact, Sanchezz has often made the difference for Arsenal FC, this season, taking his side to the second spot on the Premier League table. Manager Arsene Wenger has been grumbling about Sanchez being burnt out, but it is unlikely that the Chilean would be unused in a critical match as this. If he does not start the match, Sanchez would at least be deployed from the bench, if Everton Fc are hard to break down.
Prediction:
Arsenal FC 1-0 Everton FC
The Everton FC defence has been stingy on their travels, and they need to be even more so, as they travel to a rampant Arsenal FC. However, as the Gunners have hit a rich vein of form, they are likely to pip the Merseysiders narrowly, on Saturday.
Blast from the past:
Arsenal FC 7-0 Everton
The Gunners completely ran riot, on this fateful night, in 2005, as a completely hapless Everton FC went on to concede seven goals. Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp was on fire, on the night, setting up the likes of Robin van Persie and Patrick Viera, before scoring a goal of his own. Interestingly, a young Mikel Arteta (who is now in the Gunners’ ranks) was playing for Everton FC that night. He did have a good opportunity to score, early on, but shot the ball straight at Gunners custodian Jens Lehmann.