The Gunners look to maintain their impressive record against the Toffees in the Premier League as Unai Emery eyes a fifth win on the spin.
Arsenal’s game against Everton at the Emirates has been a joy for all supporters for their side are unbeaten in 24 games against the Toffees at home. More so, last season, Arsenal scored five goals in both their fixtures against Everton, and every Gunners supporter will be expecting their side to come clean this time, under Unai Emery.
In the corresponding fixture last season, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first goal for Arsenal since signing in January, while Aaron Ramsey bagged an impressive hattrick alongside Henrikh Mkhitaryan who bagged three assists in that game.
That game was also Theo Walcott’s quick return to the Emirates after leaving for the Toffees in January, and the English winger will be hoping things are different this time around.
Arsenal are on a four-game winning streak in all competition, after losing their opening two games of the season and Unai Emery has every reason to expect a fifth victory from his Arsenal side, especially against an Everton side somewhat struggling with injuries and form.
Everton have drawn both their away games so far this season, despite being in the lead on both occasions. Overall, with five games played already, Everton have recorded one win so far, drawing three and losing once against West Ham at home. That said, Marco Silva still hasn’t got into his stride with his team and will be looking to start with a win over Arsenal, although it could be a difficult task.
Despite the need for good results at Everton, Marco Silva can still be credited with the way his side are playing currently, after some encouraging and eye-pleasing displays during the five games so far. With no good results to show in the next few games, Silva could come under real pressure, although if they are to win against Arsenal, they would be level on points with the Gunners.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Unai Emery has a few injury concerns to his side that could see some of his key players miss the Everton game. Lucas Torreira who started his first game for the club in midweek in the Champions League limped off the field with a suspected ankle injury. Although Emery suggested his substitution was more precautionary than anything, the Uruguayan remains a significant doubt for Everton.
With the Uruguayan doubtful, Emery could stick with Matteo Guendouzi and Granit Xhaka as his central midfield pairing, although Emery is hoping Torreira would prove his fitness before the game. Elneny could also be an option after impressing against Vorslka, although he’s likely to be on the bench as a replacement for Torreira.
Aaron Ramsy is another player who is a doubt for the Everton game. Ramsey sustained a knock in last weekend’s encounter and could miss the game altogether after doubts over his recovery persist. His absence could see Henrikh Mkhitaryan continue in the No.10 role after the Armenian shined against Vorskla during midweek.
Otherwise, Sokratis, Mustafi, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette are all set to play in the starting lineup. Alex Iwobi could also perform if Emery deems he would fit his system against Everton. As for the goalkeeper, Emery will make a late decision as Bernd Leno was impressive following his first start against Vorskla in the Europa League.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1) – Cech; Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal; Guendouzi, Xhaka; Ozil, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Everton
Marco Silva has quite many players who are unavailable for his side due to respective injuries. Yerry Mina, James McCarthy, Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman, Andre Gomes and Beni Baningime are all absent for the Arsenal game. But this has been a problem Silva had to deal with since the beginning of the season, so he would undoubtedly have a plan set for his team.
Jonjoe Kenny is the player who has most benefitted from Seamus Coleman’s absence and is set to start against Arsenal at right-back. At left back, summer signing Lucas Digne is set to continue after ousting long-term servant Leighton Baines off his position.
On a more positive side, Brazilian forward Richarlison is again available for selection after being suspended for his red card. The forward has served his suspension and is set to feature against Arsenal, and Marco Silva will be hoping he hasn’t lost his goalscoring touch after netting three goals in his first three games.
Probable Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1) – Pickford; Kenny, Holgate, Zouma, Digne; Gueye, Schneiderlin; Walcott, Sigurdsson, Richarlison; Tosun
Betting Odds
Favourable Bets
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @ 1.57
2. Over 10.5 Corners @ 1.90
3. Cenk Tosun Over 0.5 Shots on Target @ 1.80
Underdog Bets
1. Cenk Tosun to score anytime @ 3.20
Key Stats
- Arsenal are unbeaten against Everton at home since January 1996.
- Everton have played more Premier League games at the Emirates without winning (12) than any other side.
- Arsenal have scored more goals (105) against Everton than any other side.
- Arsenal have had 49 different scorers against Everton, only Chelsea (52) has more against one opposition (Tottenham)
- Arsenal, additionally have more points during September (199) than any other side in the Premier League.
Player to Watch
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang, signed last January ended the previous season with ten strikes to his name, thus maintaining his prolific reputation in front of goal. This season, however, after five games the forward has scored only once in the Premier League, and many have already come in to criticise the Gabonese.
But a double during the midweek Europa League game against Vorskla and with the prospect of facing the team he scored his first Arsenal goal against, Aubameyang will be motivated enough to lead his side to three points.
His partnership with Lacazette is still in the build-up process; it nevertheless looks promising. Against Everton, he and the Frenchman have the perfect opportunity to show they can be a consistent pair in scoring and creating goals for their side. Additionally, Aubameyang will be hoping the two goals against Vorskla will kickstart his campaign and he would now consistently start scoring for Arsenal.
Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Everton
It’s not that Everton have lesser quality when it comes to playing personnel, but compared to Arsenal they still lack the cohesion to win this game. Everton’s recent struggles in the Premier League has seen them win one game out of the five they have played, and that is proof enough for lack of connection between this assembled squad.
Arsenal on the other hand, despite the two early defeats, have come together as a unit to win four games on the spin. The Gunners will be highly motivated to make it five, and their recent form against the Toffees will also be a factor. There could be more goals than the prediction mentioned above, but Arsenal are clear favourites to win this clash at the Emirates.