Everton vs Arsenal

Apr 6, 2014 at 1.30pm (UK)

Goodison Park

The Everton vs Arsenal game will be played at 1.30 PM UK time or 8:30 AM EDT at the Goodison park in what would be a blockbuster of a clash. The Merseyside club are on a roll with a 5 match winning streak in the league with their last defeat suffered at the hands of Chelsea. Everton are just 4 points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, which makes this tie even more interesting and three points against Arsenal could prove to be crucial for the Toffees who can dare to finish inside top four for the first time.

For the Gunners, it doesn’t get worse than this. They have forced themselves in a situation where Roberto Martinez’s men have a real chance to overtake them and finally end Arsene Wenger’s record of never missing the Champions League. But is finishing 5th a blessing in disguise for the Gunners? Well, that’s a different issue altogether. Coming back to the match, the Gunners have been buoyed by the return of Aaron Ramsey and Nacho Monreal, who as confirmed by Arsene Wenger will be in the squad tonight.

Everton vs Arsenal – Team News

For the home side, captain Phil Jagielka who is suffering from a hamstring injury will continue his rehabilitation works alongside midfielder Steven Pienaar who is out with a problem in his knee. However, Ross Barkley would be the main concern for Martinez as the midfielder suffered a calf strain against Fulham last weekend, but should be available for the game.

For the Gunners, Ramsey and Monreal are fit again and will make it to the squad while centre-half Laurent Koscielny, midfielders Abou Diaby and Mesut Ozil fall short. Elsewhere Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere continue to remain absent.

Everton vs Arsenal – Possible starting lineups

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Baines, Stones, Distin; Barry, Deulofeu, McCarthy, Naismith, Barkley; Lukaku

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Vermaelen; Flamini, Cazorla, Arteta, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Giroud

Everton vs Arsenal – Match Facts

Everton have only scored more than once in one of the last 22 Barclays Premier League games against Arsenal.
Arsenal have won just three of their last 10 Barclays Premier League matches (W3 D4 L3), taking just 13 points from the last 30 available.
The Toffees have lost eight and won none of the last 13 Premier League games against the Gunners, but the last three meetings have been drawn.
Mesut Ӧzil’s last two goals have come against Everton, one in the Premier League in December and one in the FA Cup victory in March
60 points after 31 games is Everton’s best ever total in Premier League history, surpassing the 57 they had mustered at this stage in 2007-08.
Everton have won 15 points from goals scored in the final 10 minutes of matches this season, more than any team in the division.
Arsenal are the only team in the Premier League not to have an opposition player sent off against them this season.

Stats compiled from au.eurosport.com

Everton vs Arsenal – Prediction

A league game with the result being valuable as a cup final. Both the teams simply cannot afford to lose this game if they are to qualify for the Champions League. Although Everton are the in-form team, considering Arsenal’s past and Wenger’s expertise to finish inside Top four, I expect the Londoners to give everything for this game. A 2-1 win for the travelling side.

Everton vs Arsenal TV Schedule

For Viewers in US, the match will be telecasted by NBC Sports Network and for UK viewers it will be televised by Sky Sports.

Highlights will be posted as soon after the end of the game.