Prediction: Correct Score 1-1
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Everton and Arsenal will be hoping to get their search for European football back underway as they come together at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening.
The two teams sit eighth and ninth respectively in the table ahead of the match and whilst a top four finish is likely to be beyond both of them, a victory in North London could potentially push them towards a UEFA Europa League place come the end of the campaign.
Arsenal
Inconsistency really has plagued the Gunners season thus far and that statement continues to be true after a rollercoaster few weeks for Mikel Arteta s men. Despite having racked up comprehensive victories against Slavia Praha and Sheffield United, those two matches were Arsenal s only wins in their last seven games in all competitions. They come into this latest Premier League game off the back of a supremely frustrating performance that saw them only draw 1-1 with relegation-threatened Fulham Eddie Nketiah steering home a last-minute equaliser. That stalemate against the West Londoners means that Arsenal have now surprisingly gone four matches at the Emirates Stadium without a win in all competitions their longest run since November 2019. As a matter of fact, it is that home form that has cost the Gunners so severely. They have only won six Premier League games at home all season, only one more than the likes of Newcastle United and Crystal Palace. It goes without saying then that Everton will be striving to take advantage of that poor home form.
Team News
The Gunners have been handed a few considerable injury blows, particularly in attack. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is already out having contracted malaria whilst on international duty. He has been joined on the sidelines by Alexandre Lacazette who has picked up a thigh injury. This could see Nketiah lead the line against Everton. Meanwhile, defenders Kieran Tierney and David Luiz remain ruled out but Martin Odegaard should be fit enough to return.
Everton
Much like Arsenal, Everton have seen inconsistency strip the chance of UEFA Champions League football away. Carlo Ancelotti s Toffees head to Emirates Stadium without a win in their last six matches in all competitions following their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last time out. It is the Merseysiders longest run without a win in well over three years since January 2018. Despite that, Everton will be able to turn to a very impressive away record for inspiration as they travel to North London. Having only lost three matches on their travels in the Premier League this season, it means that just Manchester City, Manchester United and Leicester City can boast more points away from home. Meanwhile, the Toffees have only conceded 15 goals away from home in the league, which includes a run of three clean sheets in their last four, a record that can only be bettered by the aforementioned Manchester clubs.
Team News
Ancelotti can welcome back a few key returnees just at the right time. Bernard, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina, Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes could all be in line for recalls. However, Jean-Philippe Gbamin remains out after sustaining yet another setback in training.
Key Facts To Consider
Arsenal have the far better all-time head-to-head record between the two sides (W108, D42, L62)
Everton won the previous clash between the two sides 2-1 in December
The Toffees have lost on each of their last seven trips to the Emirates Stadium in all competitions
Everton have not won away to Arsenal since January 1996
The Toffees could win back-to-back matches against Arsenal for first time since the mid 80s
Conclusion
An inconsistent home team going up against a side lethal on the road would usually see this game go one way and that s to the visitors. However, the Toffees head to the Emirates with a win away at Arsenal being a huge rarity. The two side s recent indifferent runs might well see them cancel each other out.
Prediction: Correct Score 1-1
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