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

Arsenal take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon in a vital clash in the race for a top four finish. Here’s a preview from Gooner Mac.

The Gunners head into the game sitting just four points clear of fifth-placed Everton after winning just once in their last five league fixtures, and with the hosts also holding a game in hand, suddenly we’ve found ourselves in a real battle to stay in the top four.

Our poor run has coincided with the Toffees winning their last five games, and defeat tomorrow would leave us in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in almost 18 years.

We produced a spirited second half performance to come from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Manchester City last weekend and we’ll have to show the same grit and determination for the whole ninety minutes if we want to come back with the three points tomorrow.

It’s not going to be easy as Roberto Martinez’s side have lost just once on home soil all season but we’ll be encouraged by our impressive record at Goodison, having not lost there in our previous six trips.

This will be the third meeting between the two clubs with our 4-1 win in the FA Cup last month following a 1-1 draw in the reverse league fixture at the Emirates back in December.

Team News

Aaron Ramsey is back in the squad for the first time in over three months after recovering from a thigh injury he suffered against West Ham back on Boxing Day. However, with just three days full training under his belt, I think we’ll see him start on the bench tomorrow.

Laurent Koscielny and Mesut Ozil are making good progress on their recovery from calf and hamstring injuries, but neither are fit to make the trip to Merseyside.

Kieran Gibbs is a doubt with an ankle injury but thankfully Nacho Monreal is back in the squad after recovering from a foot injury that’s kept him out in recent weeks. Serge Gnabry is likely to miss out with a knee injury so he’ll join Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott on the sidelines.

Everton will be without captain Phil Jagielka with the defender still not fully fit after a hamstring injury, but youngster Ross Barkley is expected to be fit despite being forced off with a calf problem last week.

Steven Pienaar is also missing with a knee injury, so he joins Lacina Traore, Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone and Darron Gibson on the sidelines.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Santi Cazorla: With Ozil and Walcott still missing, we’re going to need the Spaniard to step up and provide us with some creative spark in the final third. We’ve looked a little lost of ideas at times in recent weeks so hopefully Santi will rise to the occasion as we know he has the ability to be a match-winner when he’s on form.

Predicted Score:

Everton 1-1 Arsenal: The hosts are flying right now and if we’re honest, Arsenal have been hit and miss in recent weeks, so I think a score draw is a realistic scoreline. And it might not turn out to be that bad a result come the end of the season.

What team would you like to see start and whats your predicted score? Share your views below.