Premier League giants Arsenal will be hoping to pick up their second straight league victory when they welcome Carlo Ancelotti’s rampant Everton side to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The North London side’s last league display saw them put four past a helpless Newcastle United. The Toffees themselves picked up an inspiring 3-1 win during their last league clash, albeit more than two weekends ago.
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
The Gunners have begun to display a rather distinct playing style over recent weeks, in what is sure to have come as motivating news for Arsenal fans all over the world. The apparent rebirth of Daniel Ceballos in the central midfield position has helped their cause dearly as well. We expect Arteta’s men to stick to their dynamic high-tempo approach for this fixture, especially considering just how leaky this Everton back-line has been.
Everton
The Toffees seem to have identified both the best formation and strike-duo options available to Ancelotti, and the results have been visible to see. The gaffer has managed to create a well-balanced setup at Goodison Park, equally capable of performing in defence or attack. The relationship that’s been formed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison could go a long way for the Merseyside team this season, and keeping them involved in proceedings must be one of the coach’s priorities.
Team News
Arsenal
Of the seven Gunners players who are currently out injured, the five most important ones are unfortunately all defenders. The likes of Kieran Tierney, Sokratis, Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares have all been completely ruled out of contention for this fixture. Winter signing Pablo Mari could make his debut for the club in this fixture, while big names like Mesut Ozil and Lucas Torreira are both doubts as well.
Everton
The biggest news for Everton comes in the form of an Andre Gomes return after he was forced to go off with a horrific leg injury against Tottenham earlier in the season. The former Barcelona man is expected to make his return to the first-team for this fixture. Bernard and Fabian Delph are two more players who could make a return, while Jean-Philippe Gbamin is still out of contention.
Key Men
Arsenal
The Gunners have undoubtedly been dependent on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals all through the campaign. Despite this, it can be argued that the player who made the difference against Newcastle United last time out was Dani Ceballos. The Real Madrid man put in a dominant display in the heart of midfield, and will surely have a big part to play this time as well.
Everton
For all the solid work that Richarlison has been doing in the final third, it has to be accepted that he couldn’t have made it this far without some timely help from Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The duo has been in fine form over the last couple of months, and have continually gotten more than a majority of all the Toffees’ goals in the league this season.
