Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: 01/03/2015
Kick-off: 14:05 (BST)
Everton’s strange season continued as the Toffees disappointed once again in the Premier League by managing only a 2-2 draw against Leicester City last weekend but by contrast, they sealed their place in the Round of 16 of the Europa League after claiming a convincing victory over Young Boys.
While it is all and good that Everton are embarking on a wonderful European adventure, the Toffees absolutely need to get their Premier League form in order; otherwise relegation could be a distinct possibility if they do not undergo a drastic improvement soon.
However, things certainly look difficult for Roberto Martinez’s men once again as they prepare to square off against Arsenal away from home this weekend and it goes without saying that the Toffees will need to put in a herculean performance to stand a chance of claiming anything from the clash.
Everton Team News
While the trio of Tony Hibbert, Aiden McGeady and Bryan Oviedo remain unavailable for Everton due to injuries, Martinez will be able to welcome back the key midfielders Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar following their recovery.
Despite his horror show against Leicester City, Tim Howard has been handed a vote of confidence from Martinez and he is set to stick with the American international in goal while the backline should remain unchanged with the quartet of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Seamus Coleman starting.
In midfield, Everton are boosted by the return of Gareth Barry after he missed out against Leicester due to suspension and the veteran midfielder should go straight back into the starting lineup at the expense of Muhamed Besic. James McCarthy will partner Barry at the middle of the park.
Kevin Mirallas was surp risingly left on the bench for the clash against Leicester but he could make a return in place of the ineffectual Ross Barkley while Steven Naismith and Aaron Lennon look set to continue in the starting lineup.
Romelu Lukaku was withdrawn early in the game against Young Boys due to injury but the Belgian star should be fit enough to start this weekend ahead of Arouna Kone.
Probable Lineups
Arsenal (Probable XI): Szczesny; Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Bellerin; Coquelin, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Sanchez; Giroud
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Stones, Jagielka, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy; Lennon, Naismith, Mirallas; Lukaku
Form
Arsenal: L W W W L
Everton: D L W D W
Last Meeting
23/08/2014 Everton 2 – 2 Arsenal
06/04/2014 Everton 3 – 0 Arsenal
Prediction
Everton have given Arsenal a very tough time during their last two meetings against each other but this time around, things are a lot different.
Despite their humiliating loss against Monaco in the Champions League, Arsenal are on a brilliant run of form in the Premier League while Everton on the other hand, are playing well in Europe but below par domestically.
Therefore, it is clear to see that Arsenal head into the game as favourites and it will be a major shock if the Toffees are able to claim anything out of the clash.
Nonetheless, one would be unwise to completely write off Everton’s chances. It will be difficult but if the Toffees are able to contain the Arsenal attack early on, the home fans might get a bit agitated and Martinez’s men could be able to take advantage later in the game – especially with Lukaku on a great run of form at the moment.
The match will certainly be an interesting watch but Everton simply cannot seem to buy a win at the moment and Arsenal should be able to run out comfortable victors on the day.
Arsenal 3-1 Everton
