Everton-Arsenal is a match valid for the 22nd day of the Premier League and is played on Saturday at 13:30: TV, formations, predictions
If this match which opens Saturday’s Premier League can’t be called a head-to-head clash, it is only because Everton are ahead of last-placed Southampton on goal difference. But Toffees and Saints have scored the same points, fifteen, and both risk finding themselves downstairs next season.
The Liverpool club’s management lost patience on Monday and decided to relieve Frank Lampard of his duties, the first head to fall in a season that is taking a really bad turn. A coach accustomed to navigating the stormy seas was needed and the choice on the successor of the former Chelsea captain fell on Sean Dyche, who repeatedly led Burnley to safety in recent Premier League championships. From this moment on, we will see a more combative Everton, very organised defensively and one that will mind its own business, without great pretensions. Salvation is still absolutely within reach, but it is true that we must start winning again as soon as possible: the Toffees have not done so since last October 22, when they overwhelmed Crystal Palace 3-0. Since then only defeats and two draws for Everton, who in the meantime have also dropped out of the cups.
Arteta returns to Goodison Park
Debut of fire for Dyche against the team that is essentially dominating the league: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, who left a lasting impression at Goodison Park as a player, racking up 174 appearances from 2005 to 2011.
Nketiah
Second best attack in the tournament against the worst: the Gunners have scored less than Manchester City but have five more points than the Citizens, with one match less than the Pep Guardiola-led battleship. We will see if the Londoners have got over the FA Cup disappointment, from which they were eliminated last weekend by City, who got the better of them 1-0 thanks to a goal by defender Aké. The fear of the fans is that that defeat could have some repercussions, first of all psychological, for Saka and his companions. Who in two days’ time will play the direct clash.
The Prediction
This could be the time for Arsenal to break a taboo that has lasted since 2017: it has been six years since the Gunners beat Everton at Goodison Park. This time they should be able to do so, although a comfortable match does not await them, knowing the characteristics of the new Toffees coach. Arsenal favourites in a match of less than four goals overall
Everton-Arsenal’s likely line-up
- EVERTON (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko; Iwobi, Gueye, Onana, McNeil; Gray, Calvert-Lewin.
- ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 0-2
