Everton welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park in a huge clash at opposite ends of Premier League table.
Victory will see Everton climb out of the relegation zone for a few hours at minimum, whilst Arsenal can extend their title lead over Manchester City to eight points with a win.
Team News
Everton have no fresh injury concerns to report as new manager, Sean Dyche faces a selection dilemma over how to replace Anthony Gordon, following the winger’s departure for Newcastle.
Nathan Patterson (medial ligament), James Garner (back), Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane and Andros Townsend (all knee) remain absent.
Arsenal could be without Thomas Partey after he suffered a rib injury during their FA Cup exit at Manchester City last weekend.
Emile Smith Rowe (thigh) is another doubt but Reiss Nelson (thigh), Mohamed Elneny and Gabriel Jesus (both knee) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Sean Dyche’s Everton will host Arsenal at Goodison Park in a 12:30pm GMT kick-off on Saturday 4 February, live on BT Sport.
Stat Attack
- Everton have lost just two of their last seven meetings against Arsenal (W4, D1, L2).
- Arsenal have won just one of their last six visits to Everton (W1, D1, L4).
- Everton have won each of their last two home games against Arsenal by 2-1 results.
- Everton manager, Sean Dyche has won just one of his 15 previous meetings against Arsenal in the oppositional dugout (W1, D3, L11).
- One of Martin Odegaard’s eight league goals for Arsenal was scored on his right foot compared to seven goals on his left foot.
Prediction
Sat in the relegation zone with no new signings except for a new manager in Sean Dyche – who is experienced in relegation fights, Everton certainly face a fight on their hands but Dyche first has to tidy up their sloppy defence which cost them a result at West Ham two weeks ago.
Their end product was also poor despite some solid attacking buildup play so there is plenty of work to be done here, which is a worry because this is possibly the worst debut game for Dyche yet it is one where he can assess his squad properly at first glance.
Arsenal meanwhile were unlucky to not at least snatch a draw and replay against Man City because their attacking play was excellent – especially from Leandro Trossard who was a complete nightmare for City’s defence – yet one small error and excellent goalkeeping denied them.
I therefore do anticipate a serious response here against a vulnerable defence which will leave Jordan Pickford with a huge task to do in goal, because it is hard to see Everton winning regardless of their poor form at Goodison Park as the new managerial bounce likely won’t be enough here.
Prediction: Everton 0-2 Arsenal
Result: Everton 1-0 Arsenal
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