Everton v Arsenal
15:00
Everton’s torrid run continued with a 3-2 defeat against
Watford at Vicarage Road, but this week they return to Goodison Park (where
they remain undefeated in the league this season) to take on Arsenal. The
visitors came from behind to beat Stoke 3-1 and establish themselves firmly in
the top two in the table, and given that they’ve lost just once in their last 20
games against Everton in all competitions, they will feel confident in their
chances of putting the Toffees to the sword.
Everton’s ostensibly robust home record masks the fact that
they have hosted only one top-six side (Man U), and they have been far from
convincing in recent weeks, with just one league victory in their last 10
outings. Romelu Lukaku has been involved in 12 goals this season (nine goals,
three assists) and represents a lone bright spot for the Merseyside outfit, but
the lack of clean sheets in the league (one in their last 11) must be a
concern. Arsenal have not lost on the road this season across all competitions,
and they have scored at least three in four of the last five they’ve played on
the road, so they have every reason to fancy their chances.
Arsenal have conceded in eight of their 11 away games across
all competitions this season, and their back line is still struggling with
injury, but with Alexis Sanchez in such imperious form and Walcott and Ozil
also making an impact, it’s hard to see Everton withstanding their attacks.
We’re backing Arsenal to Win and Both Teams to Score.
