Prediction: Everton vs Arsenal



Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: William Hill

Everton will be under a great deal of pressure ahead of the clash with high-flying Arsenal as the 3-2 defeat to Watford extended their winless run to five games. The Gunners, on the other hand, came from a goal down to beat Stoke City, and they now hope to place extra pressure on leaders Chelsea and climb to the Premier League summit, at least for some 24 hours.

Everton

Despite all the talent they possess in the squad, Everton just cannot catch a break and they continue to underperform. The Toffees have slipped to ninth in the overall standings after the run of five matches without a Premier League victory, and it is the lack of character that is proving the biggest issue at the moment. Everton did well to take the lead away to Watford, but they then conceded three goals before Romelu Lukaku scored his second of the game to make it 3-2. The Belgian striker appears to be the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the club, but he, too, has been often criticised for going missing in big games. Manager Ronald Koeman has attempted to shake up his squad by introducing some new players into the side, but the experiment with Phil Jagielka and Ross Barkley on the bench did not produce desired results. Therefore, the Toffees will be quite low on confidence heading into the Arsenal match and this is hardly the best time to be facing the Gunners, who are playing their best football in years. Considering that Arsenal emerged victorious from their last two visits to Goodison Park, the trend looks set to continue.

Team News

Muhamed Besic, Yannick Bolasie and Arouna Kone look set to miss out, but Ross Barkley and Phil Jagielka should be recalled.



Arsenal

Having missed a golden opportunity to lift the Premier League trophy last term when Leicester City and Spurs were the only other serious contenders, Arsenal were not exactly expected to make things right this season, when the likes of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool all have big ambitions. However, together with Antonio Conte’s Blues, the Gunners have shown the most in the opening exchanges, and they are now showing the character that was so desperately missed in previous campaigns. Star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have been leading by example, but the big strength in depth proved an added bonus, and allowed the team to keep the rich vein of form for almost four months now. Successive victories over AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United and Stok City saw the Gunners climb to second in the overall standings, and while they still trail red-hot Chelsea by three points, Arsene Wenger’s charges have also created a nice daylight between themselves and the likes of Liverpool, Man City and Spurs. The Gunners seem well prepared for the hectic festive schedule and with out-of-sorts Everton on the other side, they look a good bet to make it four Premiership wins on the bounce.

Team News

Important defender Shkodran Mustafi will miss around three weeks after picking up a hamstring injury, while Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker remain in the treatment room.

Key Factors to Consider

• Arsenal won on last two visits to Goodison Park
• Everton are winless in last five Premiership fixtures (D2 L3)
• Arsenal won seven of last eight matches on the road
• The Gunners scored 26 goals during that period
• Arsenal won last four meetings with Everton

Conclusion

Everton are largely struggling at the moment and the lack of confidence and character could prove a major issue when facing red-hot Arsenal. The Gunners are on top of their game at the moment and backing them to make it five wins out of five in meetings with the Toffees seems like a sensible thing to do.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: William Hill