Preview: Arsenal travel to Everton clinging on to their title hopes
Everton host Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, with the Gunners still trying to hold on to their title hopes. The Toffees have little to play for with safety all but secured, but they’ll be hoping to bounce back after their nine-game unbeaten run came to an end last time out.
By Matt Smith
When the two sides met earlier in the season, they couldn’t be separated, as a resolute Everton performance and an inspired Jordan Pickford meant the points were shared with a 0-0 draw.
Team news
Everton saw Iliman Ndiaye return off the bench in their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool last time out. The Senegalese forward has been on the treatment table for a few weeks, but he could be in line for a start after his cameo earlier this week. Dwight McNeil has also recently returned to training, but he wasn’t fit enough to make the bench against Liverpool.
The Gunners also received a major boost earlier in the week, with Bukayo Saka featuring for the first time this year. It appears to be a one-in-one-out policy at Arsenal, though, with Gabriel now ruled out for the season.
Everton rejuvenated under Moyes
Everton saw their nine-game unbeaten run ended on Wednesday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Their performances under the new manager has put fans at ease, with the Toffees creating a huge gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Moyes has a better win percentage and points-per-game than all other Everton managers since Carlo Ancelotti. Consistency will be key, however, as Everton prepare for life in a new stadium next season. The Toffees will have to avoid going down a slippery slope after the loss against Liverpool, but Moyes has done superbly to keep them on track since his arrival.
The draw specialists still in with a chance
The Gunners currently sit 12 points behind Liverpool, and although they’ll be disappointed that Everton couldn’t cause an upset during the week, they can only have themselves to blame for falling short. Arsenal have drawn a whopping 10 times in the Premier League this season, meaning 33.33% of their league games have ended in stalemate.
There’s still a chance that Arsenal can lift the Premier League title, but Liverpool’s recent league form suggests they should have it sealed with a few games to spare.
Merino finding his feet in front of goal
Mikel Arteta’s answer to his centre-forward problems has been Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino. The former Real Sociedad man came off the bench against Leicester City a few weeks ago, scoring twice from the striker position.
Merino has been deployed in attack in Arsenal’s last two Premier League fixtures, scoring twice for the Gunners. Arsenal are likely to be in the market for a new centre-forward in the summer, but there’s no doubt Merino has been an impressive temporary solution.
Prediction
With Everton having nothing to play for and Arsenal still having a slim outside chance of lifting the Premier League title, we’re predicting a narrow win for Arteta’s side. 1-0 Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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