Arsenal’s hunt for an all-important win in the Premier League will continue as they face Everton on Saturday. The Gunners are winless in their last six league encounters – a run of form that has seen them dawdle around the bottom end of the league table, just five points ahead of the drop zone. A win this weekend could thus be imperative as they look to recover from their awful first half of the campaign.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup Vs Everton
Defence
Gabriel Magalhaes faces a suspension this weekend after picking up two yellow cards against Southampton in midweek. He is likely to be replaced by compatriot David Luiz, who has recovered from his head injury. He could, therefore, feature alongside Rob Holding at the heart of the four-man backline, although Pablo Mari is also pushing for a first-team start following a couple of good performances in the Europa League.
On a brighter note for Arsenal, Hector Bellerin is available after serving a one-game suspension in midweek. He is sure to replace Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back, effectively allowing Mikel Arteta to embrace a traditional back-four, with Kieran Tierney operating on the opposite flank.
Bernd Leno should continue in goal, ahead of Runar Alex Runarsson. The German, however, will be desperate for his first clean sheet in seven league matches.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka has been ruled out for this game as he serves the second of his three-game suspension. His absence could guarantee a place for Mohamed Elneny in central midfield, but as far as the additional slot is concerned, Arteta could face a selection dilemma.
Dani Ceballos is the favourite, but Joe Willock does make a strong case following a few good performances in cup matches. And with the former featuring in the midweek game, we could see the Englishman operate in the double-pivot this weekend.
Attack
Arteta is likely to shuffle his pack in the attacking department, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returning to his number nine role and Alexandre Lacazette coming in at the expense of Eddie Nketiah. The Frenchman could once again occupy the number ten role, just behind Aubameyang, who broke his scoring duck against Southampton in midweek.
Elsewhere, Willian should replace Nicolas Pepe at right-wing, with Bukayo Saka continuing on the opposite flank. These two must perform if Arsenal are to have any hopes to breaching the depleted Everton backline this weekend.
