League leaders Arsenal host a struggling Everton side this Wednesday as both teams look to improve their tally of points moving into a busy fixture schedule over the coming weeks. Having secured consecutive victories in their last two league outings following a dip in form, Mikel Arteta’s side will be keen on extending their lead at the top of the table whilst the visitors will be keen on securing a positive result as Sean Dyche’s side look to move out of the relegation zone.
Amongst the most consistent sides this season, Arsenal will be keen on securing nothing but three points at home later today. With only a two-point gap between them and second-placed Manchester City, the Gunners will look to avoid succumbing to pressure as they remain keen on being consistent on the pitch moving forward. Additionally, with the Gunners expected to prioritise the league fixtures over cup competitions, the hosts will be keen to avoid dropping points later today.
On the other hand, looking to move out of the relegation zone, Everton will be keen on securing a positive result at the Emirates. Having secured a 1-0 victory over the Gunners in their first league meeting of the ongoing campaign in February, the Toffees will look to replicate the same as they aim to move two points clear of the relegation zone at the end of the match-week. With the away side having won two of their five league games, Dyche will be keen on causing an upset in North London later today.
When & Where?
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
Date: Wednesday, 28th February 2023.
Time: 19:45 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Michael Oliver.
Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett.
Fourth Official: David Coote.
VAR Official: Tony Harrington.
Team News
Arsenal
Thomas Partey is expected to be closer for a return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury and that may come over the weekend, while Gabriel Jesus has returned to full training and is expected to be gunning for a return in a fortnight or so… and Mohamed Elneny remain out of contention. Eddie Nketiah could return to the match-day squad after missing out against Leicester City, although the striker is unlikely to regain his place in the starting line-up. Arteta is expected to make a minor number of changes to the squad facing Everton amidst the Gunners’ busy schedule for the month moving forward.
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Everton
Andros Townsend, Nathan Patterson, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin remain out of contention due to injuries whilst youngster James Garner is unlikely to be named in the match-day squad despite recovering from injury; featuring for the club’s U-21’s instead. Dyche is likely to make a change in personnel in the forward department, with Neal Maupay likely to give way to either Ellis Simms or Demarai Gray upfront.
Match Analysis
With both teams looking to secure three points, Wednesday’s fixture is expected to provide for a challenging battle on the pitch at the Emirates. Under pressure to maintain their lead at the top of the table, the Gunners are expected to dominate most parts of the game whilst the visitors will be relying on the counter-attack to hurt the opposition later today.
Tidy in possession alongside having succeeded in churning out victories hitherto, the Gunners will be keen on maintaining their winning momentum over a busy period of fixtures. Expected to retain control for the majority of the ninety minutes, the hosts will look to play through Everton’s midfield whilst retaining possession higher up the pitch later today. Despite losing against the visitors earlier this month, Arteta’s side will look to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses in a bid to register a compelling victory at the Emirates.
On the other hand, expected to prioritise remaining solid in defence, the Toffees will look to make the best of their goal-scoring opportunities later today. With their forward and midfield dynamism likely to test the home side’s resolve, Everton will look to make the best use of possession at the Emirates. Moreover, boasting an advantage on set-pieces, Dyche will look to find the bests ways to seek advantage of various situational opportunities later today.
Key Players
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Amongst Arsenal’s in-form players, Saka will be keen on delivering a notable performance later today. With the forward’s attributes expected to play a key role in destabilizing Everton’s defence, the England international will look to find the back of the net at the Emirates against the Toffees.
Alex Iwobi – Everton
Facing his former club, Iwobi will be keen on delivering a compelling display later today. With the versatile midfielder’s strength and ability likely to test Arsenal’s defence, Iwobi will look to positively impact the visiting team’s prospects at the Emirates.
Predicted XI
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Everton: Aaron Ramsdale; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Granit Xhaka, Jorginho; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli; Leandro Trossard.
Everton predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski, Conor Coady, Vitaly Mykolenko; Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana; Alex Iwobi, Demarai Gray, Dwight McNeil.