Everton host Arsenal as Premier League football returns to action after an international break as they go head-to-head at Goodison Park in what would be an electrifying encounter. Arsenal will be hoping to continue their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 5 games.
The Gunners have not won on their last five visits away to Goodison Park, losing four and their Premier League title hopes also took a significant hit last season when they lost 1-0 in Sean Dyche’s debut game as the Toffees’ manager.
Things could be different this time around as Arsenal will be looking to end their poor record at Goodison Park when they take on struggling Everton.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: 17th September 2023.
Time: 16:30 HRS BST.
Venue: Goodison Park.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long.
Fourth Officials: Anthony Taylor.
VAR: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant VAR: Nick Greenhalgh.
TEAM NEWS
Jurrien Timber and Mohamed Elneny are still sidelined as they work on recovering from their injuries. Thomas Partey, who is dealing with a groin injury, will also be unavailable for a few more weeks, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side short of options.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who had been the centre of transfer speculation over the past few weeks before the deadline closed, played the full 90 minutes for Brazil against Peru after suffering an injury scare in his country’s first match of the break against Bolivia. He ended up on the wrong end of a horror tackle that ended up hitting his chest badly as he attempted to win the ball.
Following his late substitution, he was spotted with an ice pack on his thigh sparking concerns amongst fans of an injury. Just a couple of days later, he again partnered with Marquinhos for the game against Peru, in which Gabriel kept a clean sheet after playing the entire match.
Thomas Partey continues to be out injured, as his inconsistency on the availability continues to frustrate Arsenal fans especially with the Champions League mid-weeks starting following this week’s PL games.
Seamus Coleman was back in light training out on the grass, with the Everton captain hoping to return to action next week. Dele Alli continues his recovery from a hip injury. Dominic Calvert Lewin is expected to feature vs Arsenal after missing the previous two games with a facial injury.
MATCH ANALYSIS
Understanding Sean Dyche & Everton’s reliance on the physical midfield and looping balls in behind the initial press – Arsenal’s Kai Havertz can come critical in not only winning the first balls but also capitalising on the seconds, coz’ in these games, “When I lose a duel, I am upset.”
Everton new incoming, Beto, who is known to be quite physical and mobile can come through as a outball for the hosts and judging by the games he has played in Blue – you see him holding the play quite well with runners around him exploit spaces in behind. That should be expected in a game where the Gunners are probable to keep most of the ball. Saliba will be most optimally tasked to contain this.
KEY PLAYERS
Declan Rice
Ever since Arsenal have signed Rice in the summer he’s been nothing short of exceptional for the Gunners. His presence in the heart of midfield is exactly what Arsenal were wanting. Hes in some fine form for both club and country in recent times. Moving Rice to CDM role was a key difference the previous week. He covered the bigger areas and stopped United from progressing up the pitch. Scored a decisive debut goal to secure the bag vs United!
On Rice, Arteta said: “When you look at how a holding midfielder needs to dominate his area, how he needs to break up play, how he glided the team together when they were stretched a bit. Then he produced a magic moment to win us the game, so, (I’m) really happy with him. He’s a great kid. I think he’s fitting in brilliantly.”
Fabio Vieira
Fabio has already matched his last season’s assists (2) in just two appearances off the bench this season. Played an instrumental role in the Fulham game and ended up assisting Jesus for the third goal vs United.
Is it time to start him vs Everton? In my opinion, no! Considering the fact that Everton are a very physical team with 2 monsters in midfield, this wouldn’t be a Vieira friendly game if started but surely off the bench hell have something to provide. Sticking with Havertz will make more sense considering his defensive contributions too.
Arteta on Fabio Viera: “We knew that Fabio would have a big impact especially in the last few minutes if we needed something”
“Something has changed Fabio, you notice it in the way the crowd are when compared to last year. He’s more mature, his confidence is high, so im more than happy to have these options”
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Everton: Ramsdale, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Everton predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young, Gueye, Onana, Doucoure, McNeil, Danjuma & Beto.