Premier League: Everton vs Arsenal match preview
A look ahead to Saturday evening’s Premier League clash at Goodison Park
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal will still have nightmares about their last visit to Goodison Park, where they were turned over 3-0. Everton’s attacking display, with Romelu Lukaku moved wide and Steven Naismith operating as a false nine, left Arsene Wenger and his back four shell-shocked. That encounter was back in April and really stoked the flames of the race for the top four. This year’s fixture comes considerably earlier in the calendar, and with the Gunners fancying themselves not just as top-four material but genuine title contenders.
They certainly proved in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace that they possess that most important of title-winning credentials: the ability to grind out three points while not being at your best. Aaron Ramsey’s late winner will give him the confidence to continue the form he showed last season with the red card he received in midweek not affecting his eligibility for this encounter.
Everton had a shaky start to the season, their defensive lapses against Leicester costing them two points. Boss Roberto Martínez had a stuttering – if not disastrous – start to last season with three draws, and he’ll be eager to pick up points earlier this time around as the Toffees look to launch a concerted bid for the top four.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Everton 3 (Naismith, Lukaku, Arteta og) Arsenal 0, Premier League, April 2014
Arsenal 4 (Ozil, Arteta, Giroud 2) Everton 1 (Lukaku), FA Cup, March 2014
Arsenal 1 (Ozil) Everton 1 (Deulofeu), Premier League, December 2013
STATS…
Everton’s 3-0 win in April ended a run of 14 games against Arsenal without a win.
Everton haven’t lost to Arsenal in four Premier League games. Prior to that they lost four in a row.
Arsenal thrashed Everton 6-1 at Goodison Park very early in the 2009-10 season.
Aaron Ramsey has scored in four of Arsenal’s last five competitive fixtures.
ODDS…
Everton to win: 2.7
Arsenal to win: 2.5
Draw: 3.4
TV:
Live on Sky Sports at 5.30pm. Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.
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