Arsenal vs Everton: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Arsenal welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners stayed clear at the summit thanks to a 2-0 win over Hull City on Wednesday night to make it three wins on the bounce since losing to Manchester United last month.

This weekend sees the north Londoners kick-off a tough run of fixtures that will see them face Everton, Napoli, Manchester City and Chelsea in quick succession and the outcomes could very-well determine their fate this season.

Everton arrive in the Capital off the back of an impressive 1-0 win over defending champions Manchester United in midweek, and Roberto Martinez will be eyeing another shock to further strengthen their belief that they can gate-crash the top-four this year.

Both fixtures between these two finished in draws last season, while the duo have both kept five clean sheets in their last six fixtures, so we could be in for a close encounter on Sunday.

Team News

Arsene Wenger will have to make-do without the services of Bacary Sagna once again with the Frenchman ruled out with a hamstring strain that saw him miss the Hull clash on Wednesday. Carl Jenkinson will continue to deputise at right-back.

Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud all all pushing for recalls having been rested last time out, while Theo Walcott could also make his first start in over 2 months after coming on as a late substitute in Arsenal’s last three games.

Kieran Gibbs is expected to be restored at left-back after being rested in midweek, but Lukas Podolski is still short of fitness after returning to full training on Friday following three months out with a hamstring strain.

Everton have no fresh injury worries to contend with. Roberto Martinez may opt to stick with the same eleven that beat United but Leon Osman is pushing for a recall and could replace youngster Ross Barkley.

Defender Antolin Alcaraz could be in the squad for the first time since making the move to Goodison in the summer after recovering from injury, but Leighton Baines remains out with a broken toe.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Mesut Ozil: The German was in excellent form in midweek and Arsene Wenger has warned there is still plenty more to come from the playmaker. He’ll be the one to watch this weekend.

Predicted Score

Arsenal 1-0: This game promises to be a tight affair with both teams defending superbly in recent weeks, but I think the Gunners will edge it.

What would be your team for the game and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.