Everton will be looking to back up their huge FA Cup quarter-final defeat of Chelsea when Arsenal visit Goodison Park, with the Gunners’ title hopes hanging by a thread.
After a tense slog for 70 or so minutes, a brilliant quick-fire double courtesy of Romelu Lukaku sent the Toffees to Wembley. The Blues did not have it all their own way in the win however, with stalwart Gareth Barry handed marching orders after that spat with Diego Costa.
Things have been less rosy in the league. Everton’s most recent performance in the league culminated in capitulation at the hands of fast-finishing West Ham United in a 3-2 home defeat that appeared unloseable. That was just the latest in a string of poor home results that see Roberto Martinez remain under pressure, despite the uplifting cup win.
For Arsenal, the time has well and truly arrived to say it is win or bust for the title hopefuls. Eleven points behind pacesetters Leicester, the London club’s aspirations of a first premiership since 2004 are waning – only a win will do for Arsene Wenger and his team with nine matches, including this one, remaining.
Their latest fortunes have not been promising, either. An Alexis Sanchez strike salvaged a point at a cold and windy White Hart Lane, but since, Arsenal have been knocked out of the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League by Watford and FC Barcelona respectively.
Key Battle – The battle of the midfields
From the outset, this match is one that promises to be easy on the eye as two teams that like to hold the ball and play their way to goal go toe to toe. With no shortage of tough tackling and creative quality in either control room, the duel for ascendancy promises to be fascinating.
The attacking stakes will see two thoroughbreds work their magic: Ross Barkley and Mesut Ozil, a tantalising lineup of creativity for any football fan.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
In the defensive department are hard hitters: Mo Besic, likely to replace Barry, and Francis Coquelin, who should be fresh after starting from the bench against Barcelona.
The more well rounded midfield performance will decide who gains the upper hand, and likely, who claims victory.
Team News
Everton’s injury list has shrunken significantly, with only Bryan Oviedo a short-term doubt after sustaining a chest problem a fortnight ago. He is a chance to return, though Martinez will err on the side of caution should the Costa Rican show any lingering signs of the problem.
RM says @Bryan_Oviedo remains a doubt for Saturday’s game. “He’s lost a lot of weight through being ill, so we will have to wait and see.”
— Everton (@Everton) March 17, 2016
Barry’s omission will be forced, with the midfield strongman banned for two matches. Bosnian Besic is the prime candidate to replace him in a like for like switch.
The Gunners are still without Petr Cech, so David Ospina will continue to deputise in goals. Theo Walcott and Coquelin both started from the bench in the Champions League and will be reasonably fresh and ready to slot back into the starting XI.
With those midweek minutes in mind, Wenger may be tempted to make further changes, with Olivier Giroud and Per Mertesacker fresh and available. Yet the Frenchman must decide on his best team, regardless of schedule, given what is riding on this match.
Boasting an incredible goalscoring record against Everton, Giroud could be a safe bet to replace Danny Welbeck up front.
Head-to-Head
This fixture is one that has been utterly dominated by Arsenal. They 95 wins in 192 attempts against Everton, with just 55 triumphs for the latter. However, the Toffees will take some confidence from the fact that the Gunners have not breached their fortress in just under four years.
Previous Meeting
These sides last met at the Emirates in October. Arsenal secured a quick-fire 2-0 lead, thanks in part to a pair of errors from Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard. Barkley pulled one back for Everton but they could not find a way through their hosts a second time.
Prediction
Despite a last-start win against Chelsea, Everton are still dogged by a less than intimidating home record of just five wins since April 2015. Goodison has hardly been a happy hunting ground for its tenants and against the smarts of Arsenal, there could be further dissatisfaction to come the home crowd’s way on Saturday.
There is simply too much at stake for the visitors to blow it, and they will be well aware of this fact. They must score first and score early to unsettle the home faithful. If the Gunners can do this, they will remain in the hunt for an elusive title.
Everton will not make the task easy, however, and having learned lessons from their usurping by West Ham, will be keen to right more wrongs in front of their home supporters, buoyed by their FA Cup success.
Everton 2 Arsenal 2
*CrownBet odds at time of publishing are subject to change
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