Arsenal will host Everton at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners will be hoping to close the gap on Liverpool at the top of the table, while Sean Dyche’s side will be looking to build some momentum after an impressive victory last time out.
By Matt Smith
Arteta receives major injury boost
Mikel Arteta has confirmed ahead of the game against Everton that Gabriel Magalhães has been involved in first-team training and could be available to face the Toffees. The Brazilian defender has missed their last three matches in all competitions, but he could make his return on Saturday.
Riccardo Calafiori, who hasn’t played since the end of November, won’t be fit in time for this one.
Mr Reliable isn’t slowing down
Everton will have one huge mission on Saturday, and that’s to true and shut down Bukayo Saka. Many sides have attempted, and most have failed, with the England international producing a whopping 15 goals and assists combined in the Premier League this season.
His attacking production has been superb this season, and Arsenal are heavily relying on him in attack to produce. Saka sits top of the assists charts for the Gunners, with Declan Rice in second with just two. Set-pieces have been a key weapon for Arsenal this season, but they’re coming up against a side who are strong defensively.
Broja the secret weapon
Armando Broja, who signed for Everton on loan in the summer transfer window, has missed the majority of the season due to injury. Dyche confirmed this week that Broja would be ‘around it’ when it comes to a place in the starting XI, after making his return with a cameo against Wolves last week.
Broja played around 10 minutes vs Wolves, but it was an impressive cameo nonetheless, and he could be a bit of a secret weapon off the bench for Everton, who have no fresh injury concerns.
Everton have set the standard now
The Toffees secured an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wolves in the last Premier League game, despite scoring just 10 times in the previous 13 games before that. It was somewhat of an anomaly, but with all four goals coming from set pieces, it’s a sign that Dyche might be going back to basics.
With just 24 big chances created this season, the lowest in the Premier League, Dyche needs to find a way of producing opportunities for his side, and he did just that against Wolves last time out.
Prediction
Everton’s only victories this season have come against Wolves, Ipswich, and Crystal Palace, who are 19th, 18th, and 17th respectively. It’s been a campaign of minimal giant killings, while Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions.
The Gunners are also yet to lose at home, so it’s difficult to see past a straightforward victory for the London club. We’re going for a 3-1 win for Arteta’s side in this one.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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