Prediction: Everton vs Arsenal

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to bounce back from their Old Trafford defeat, Arsenal will make the trip to Merseyside on Monday night when they face off against Everton.

Everton

Starting with the hosts, last seen in midweek putting in a woeful display at Goodison Park, it is fair to say that Everton find themselves in the midst of a real struggle. While the Blues might have opened the 2021/22 campaign with an eye-catching run of form, Rafa Benitez’s men were last seen getting hit with a 4-1 drumming against bitter rivals Liverpool. With the pressure on Benitez appearing to reach a boiling point, they have only shown a host of issues on either side of the international break. In fact, the ex-Newcastle boss has seen his side collect just a pair of points from any of their last eight Premier League contests, a run that stems back to September 29th. Likewise, losing each of their last three top-flight matchups since returning from the fortnight break, Everton have also gained a reputation for their problems at Goodison Park. Including that 4-1 defeat against Liverpool, Monday’s hosts have collected just a single point from any of their last four outings on home soil.

Team News

Still dealing with a thigh injury, England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin will once again miss out on Monday night.

Likewise, picking up a hamstring issue against Liverpool last time out, summer arrival Salomon Rondon will also be missing here.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, eventually getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat away at Manchester United on Thursday night, there is no doubt that Arsenal will be seeking an immediate response here. Missing out on a chance to find a route into the Champions League spots at Old Trafford, Mikel Arteta’s squad will now be hoping to find some stability. Although the Gunners might have gained a host of plaudits prior to November’s international break, the north London outfit have collected just three points from their three Premier League contests since returning to action. With that run highlighted by a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Liverpool last month, Arsenal have also shown some issues outside of the capital. Aside from an eye-catching 2-0 victory away at Leicester, that was the only top-flight win that they have recorded away from the Emirates in their last four attempts. With their sights set on securing a European return this season, the Gunners must be looking to lay down a marker at Goodison.

Team News

After settling for a spot on the bench in midweek, Bukayo Saka could be set for a recall to Arteta’s starting XI at Goodison Park.

However, both Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka remain on the sidelines and will not feature here.

Key Factors to Consider

• Everton picked up back-to-back Premier League victories against Arsenal last season, including a 2-1 win at Goodison Park.
• The Blues have also lost just one of their last five meetings against Monday’s guests.
• However, Everton have collected just a pair of points from any of their last eight Premier League contests, a run that stems back to September 29th.
• Arsenal have lost two of their three Premier League matchups since returning from November’s international break.
• Likewise, they have also conceded seven goals in their back-to-back matchups away from the Emirates.

Conclusion

Getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat away at Manchester United last time out, Arsenal will be desperate to make an immediate return to winning ways on Monday night. However, marking their return from November’s international break with a 4-0 drumming against Liverpool, they have lost two of their three Premier League contests since returning to action. While they will be hoping to cash in on an Everton side that are in the midst of a crisis, it should be noted that they do hold a sluggish record against the Blues. Suffering back-to-back defeats against Monday’s hosts last season, we could have a lively affair on our hands. With Everton also getting hit for four by Liverpool last time out, don’t be surprised to see chances at both ends of the pitch here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet