Everton vs Arsenal: Line-ups
Everton
Arsenal
Everton Desperate for Points
#1
The Gunners have still gone six matches without a top-flight victory, losing four of those games, and are more concerned about a relegation fight than a top-four battle.
#2
Carlo Ancelotti’s men seem to have recovered from that blip, though, thanks to their victories over Chelsea and Leicester City without conceding.That victory over Chelsea ended a four-match wait for three points at Goodison Park, but Arsenal are hardly the best of travellers, winning only once in five away from home.
#3
Thomas Partey remains on the sidelines for Arsenal and Gabriel Martinelli is unlikely to return to action pre-Christmas, while Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Magalhaes are suspended.Arteta can at least call upon Hector Bellerin again following his return from a one-match ban, but the full-back has been in poor form and faces a fight winning back his spot.
#4
As for Everton, influential full-back Lucas Digne is still some way off a return, but Seamus Coleman could be back in the squad this weekend.James Rodriguez has missed the Toffees’ last two matches and is not expected to be recalled to the starting lineup for this one.
#5
Everton have not won their final league match before Christmas in any of their last six seasons, drawing two and losing four, but they are the favourites heading into this game.Arsenal have been nothing short of terrible in the league this term and, a week short of his one-year anniversary at the club, another defeat for Arteta here could prove fatal.
