That Arsenal are going into the final game of the season with a hope of qualifying for the Champions League is in itself a bit of a surprise, but a good run of form mixed with a few indifferent results for Liverpool and Manchester City means that they are still in with a sniff.
In order to qualify for the top four, they’re going to need to beat Everton and hope that Liverpool fail to defeat Middlesbrough or that Man City lose to Watford and hope that goal difference works in their favour.
Whatever happens at Vicarage Road or at Anfield won’t matter if the Gunners can’t beat Everton though, so all focus must be on that game.
The Blues go into the tie guaranteed to finish in 7th place so Arsene Wenger will be hoping that they are already on the beach, but as we saw in the reverse fixture, Everton are capable of defeating Arsenal if the Gunners are off the boil.
Here’s the XI that we think Arsene will select for the game:
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
No brainer really. Cech will be hoping to end the season with a clean sheet.
Centre Back: Rob Holding
Rob Holding has performed well as part of a back three so there is no reason to drop him.
Centre Back: Shkodran Mustafi
Shkodran Mustafi will likely be up against a Golden Boot-chasing Romelu Lukaku, so he’ll need to be on his game.
Centre Back: Nacho Monreal
Laurent Koscielny could return but I think Arsene Wenger won’t risk him and will stick with Monreal.
Right Wing Back: Hector Bellerin
Hector Bellerin will be tasked with using his pace against Leighton Baines. It’s a battle he should fancy.
Midfield: Granit Xhaka
Xhaka’s passing will be key to unlocking Everton.
Midfield: Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey looked to be a doubt after going off injured in midweek but he’s fit and ready to start.
Left Wing Back: Kieran Gibbs
With Monreal staying in the back three, Kieran Gibbs keeps his place.
Attacking Midfield: Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil was great against Sunderland. A repeat performance would be most welcome.
Attacking Midfield: Alexis Sanchez
He might not be 100% but Sanchez is Arsenal’s main man.
Striker: Olivier Giroud
There is a chance that Danny Welbeck gets the nod against an ageing Everton defence but I think the manager will stick with Giroud.