Everton vs Arsenal: Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Arsenal travel to Goodison Park to face Everton hoping results go their way and they climb above rivals Tottenham into third place.

After five league wins on the bounce, Arsenal head into the game in fine form. A sixth victory in a row combined with Tottenham failing to beat Stoke, would result in the Gunners climbing above our North London neighbours into third. How amazing would that be?!

Unfortunately, i really can’t see Spurs not collecting all three points at home to Stoke, but you never know. Plus, three points are anything but a guarantee against Everton, who are notoriously difficult to beat at home. Usually a draw would be considered a good result here, but we really need to keep the pressure on the Spuds, so three points are vital.

Team News

Everton manager David Moyes may decide against making changes despite coming through a tough FA Cup tie against Sunderland on Saturday. Steven Pienaar is almost certain to come in after missing the weekend game due to being cup-tied, but it’s unlikely Moyes will shuffle too much more with one of the ‘big boys’ coming to town.

However, should the Scot decide to mix things up, Stracqualursi, Jagielka, Hibbert and Anichebe may come in.

I’m hoping Arsene Wenger names an un-changed line-up as the boys have had over a week off so no need to rotate the pack. Arsene confirmed this afternoon that we have no fresh injury worries, so the squad will look very much like it did last week against Newcastle.

Thomas Vermaelen got a knock on his calf last week but is ok to play tomorrow. Abou Diaby made a goal-scoring return for the reserves today but is unlikely to feature against the Toffees. Squillaci is back in the reckoning but i hope to god we don’t see him anywhere near the first team.

Andre Santos is fit and pushing for a start, but i think it would be harsh to oust Gibbs, especially considering the run we’re on.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Make no mistake, there aren’t many grounds tougher to visit than Goodison Park. Just ask Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham who have all lost there in recent weeks. We’ll have to be on top form to get the three points here. But i’m going to back the boys to continue the fine run and edge this one. Everton 1-2 Arsenal.

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