Arsenal v Everton Premier League preview

Postponement of their game in hand on Wednesday night clutters up Arsenal’s fixtures further down the road. It also keeps them 4 points behind leaders Chelsea going into this weekend and they must continue to win to stay in the race.

Arsenal

A come-from-behind victory at West Ham in the FA Cup on Sunday made it 4 straight victories for Arsenal in all competitions. They’ve won 5 of their last 6 in the league, taking advantage of Chelsea and Manchester United’s recent slip ups. While many expect Arsenal to do the same, they’re not slowing up just yet. Everton can be a tricky opposition this weekend though as they’ve started to find their form of late. Arsenal’s 6-1 victory at Goodison Park on the opening day will remind their players what they’re capable of. Cesc Fabregas is unlikely to feature in this one. Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby and Eduardo have all stepped up for them recently. And they still have Andrey Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri capable of winning games for them! Their short passing in tight areas against this Everton defence should see them create at least a few great goalscoring opportunities alone in this match. Alex Song is a loss in midfield due to his African Nations commitments. That may mean Abou Diaby plays a more defensive role than he has recently.

Form
WDWWW

Injuries/Suspensions
Theo Walcott
Denilson
Cesc Fabregas
Kieran Gibbs
Robin van Persie
Gael Clichy
Nicklas Bendtner
Johan Djourou

Everton

Two late strikers, including one from Tim Cahill helped Everton to back-to-back victories when they beat Carlisle in the FA Cup last weekend. Now 12th in the league, despite 5th spot looking an impossibility at the moment, a high-as-possible finish is always on your agenda. After they looked to have turned their season round in recent games this isn’t the best time for them to make a trip to the Emirates. Defeat isn’t a foregone conclusion, although a 6-1 defeat at home to Arsenal already this season says otherwise. Their defence faces a serious test once again, even without Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott. The absence of Phil Jagielka Sylvain Distin and Joseph Yobo has left their central defence has left them very vulnerable this season. Arsenal will be looking to capitalise on that. And with their flair, one touch passing and movement, we expect them to do just that. Everton have won both of their games since Phil Neville returned, but that’s more of a coincidence than anything else! He offers good protection to the back four, but there are too many quick and creative players for him to deal with here. With Yakubu off to the African Nations and Jo a doubt, new loan signing Landon Donovan could find himself already amongst the substitutes this weekend.

Form
DDDDW

Injuries/Suspensions
Jack Rodwell
Joseph Yobo
Syvlain Distin
Victor Anichebe
Phil Jagielka
Mikel Arteta

Arsenal’s odds are short, but this has a home win written on it. Everton have 1 clean sheet in their last 12 league games and Arsenal put 6 against them on the opening day.

Best bet: Arsenal to win 2/5