Arsenal return to N5 in their 10th league match of the season, as they take on Everton at home in the Premier League.
The north Londoners are hitting some fine form at the moment, playing some great football in the process. They haven’t conceded in their last three games (scoring eight during this period), sit two points behind league leaders Manchester City and have picked up some massive wins. One such massive week came this week on Tuesday – Arsenal did the near-impossible and beat arguably the most in-form side in the world at that point – Bayern Munich. They executed their game plan very well, deciding to concede possession in favour of hitting them on the break via the pace of players like Alexis Sánchez, Theo Walcott and Hector Bellerin, a tactic that was clearly evident in Arsenal’s second goal on the night. Despite being blighted by the injury of Aaron Ramsey, this Gunners side is hitting its peak and is looking to ride such a wave onto this occasion and snatch pole position in the league.
Everton have had a fairly positive season so far. Despite conceding three to Manchester United last weekend, they sit ninth in the league table – only four points behind fourth spot. Players in the ilk of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley have become rejuvenated, whilst John Stones has reprised the figure which made him the target of such heavy interest from Chelsea over the summer. They’ll be tough to break down in the centre, so playing through the wings will need to be focused upon, providing altogether no easy push over for Arsenal.
A player Arsenal will need to watch out for is Ross Barkley, who actually scored the last time these two met. The young talent is back to his best and whilst his decision making still needs work, his ability to be a direct threat to the defence remains ever-present, and could as a result definitely offer a moment of magic to unlock what is, stats-wise, the best defence in the league this season.
A player Everton will need to watch out for is Olivier Giroud. With next week’s Capital One Cup match in mind, a couple of changes will most likely be made. And with the Frenchman in fine form – scoring the second goal at Watford and the opener against Bayern Munich – and scoring four times in his last four appearances against Everton, he’s a solid bet for the starting role this afternoon, and certainly can offer a physical presence to the position along with a killer left boot and great hold-up play as well.
The last time these two met was in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy, where Arsenal got a 3-1 win in what was a great pre-season for the side. Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Özil bagged the goals, with a consolation from Ross Barkley. Arsenal have had a good record against Everton in recent years, so expect that very record to carry on.
Team News:
David Ospina is still out injured, so expect Matt Macey to appear on the bench. Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky remain the notable absentees. However, Aaron Ramsey has been ruled out for at least four weeks with a hamstring strain, in what should be a major blow for the side, which should result in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain taking his starting berth.
Starting XIs:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Bellerín, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Özil, Alexis; Giroud.
Everton (4-2-3-1): Howard; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku.
Prediction:
A 2-0 win to the Arsenal. Everton will offer some resistance, and will definitely hold off the Gunners for the first half. However, goals will come from Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sánchez to wrap up what should a strong win for Arsène Wenger’s men, on a matchday where, with the possibility of Manchester City dropping points against city rivals Manchester United, Arsenal could take top spot for the first time this season.
