This match is come a bit too early but EPL never fails to amaze as Saturday sees a blockbuster of a game as Everton host title chasing Arsenal at the Goodison Park.
This match is come a bit too early but EPL never fails to amaze as Saturday sees a blockbuster of a game as Everton host title chasing Arsenal at the Goodison Park.
With the opponents adding some quality through the transfer window, manager Arsene Wenger must defy the odds as Gunners face a daunting trip to Everton which will be a good test to see how far the men from Emirates have come since last season.
This game last year finished 3-0 in favour of the hosts, as Everton stepped up their challenge for a Champions League spot, but only to lose out at the final hurdle. But Everton manager Roberto Martinez would want his men to never let the visitors get into their stride.
The ‘Toffees’ will look to get into the opposition’s half as quickly as possible with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Steven Naismith might create a problem or too for the Gunners’ defence.
Most of the Everton game depends on the ‘pressing’ which will see the former going at Arsenal high up the pitch, that could force the Gunners into making errors and make life miserable as ever.
Meanwhile Arsenal would be without their skipper Mikel Arterta and also left-back Kieran Gibbs in defence. Wenger wouldn’t want a repeat of last season where they conceded 20 goals away from home at Everton, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea respectively. Failing to turn up at the rivals might have not sunk in well for the fans and the players alike and thus a refreshed attack led by the summer signing of Alexis Sanchez could make the difference. A nail-biting win at Crystal Palace was not in the scripts but a draw at Besiktas for the UEFA Champions League qualifier might have a toll on the players.
Prior to the game, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger spoke to the media: “We have started well in the Premier League and we want of course straight away to have a good result away from home. Everton is always a good opponent that tells you where you are, and for us it is a good test.” With the German trio of Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski still not match fit; Wenger might hand Joel Campbell a start which could be a first for the Costa Rican in the EPL.
Everton are a tough nut to crack especially in the midfield and the defence which is led by their skipper Phil Jagielka and left-back Leighton Baines. Even though the Gunners go into the this game as slight favourites, never underestimate the strength and tenacity of the Toffees.
Match prediction: 1-1 draw
