A Tough Test for Everton as Arsenal Chase Vital Points
A Tough Test for Everton as Arsenal Chase Vital Points
A new Premier League round brings fresh opportunities! Arsenal, having earned points in 30 of their last 33 league matches, can’t afford further slip-ups after a disappointing draw against Fulham last weekend. With Liverpool holding a game in hand and a six-point lead at the top, Mikel Arteta’s men are under pressure to secure all three points against an Everton side battered 4-0 in their last away outing.
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The Gunners dominated their clash against Fulham but were left frustrated by a VAR-disallowed late winner from Bukayo Saka. Another goal from set-pieces (four goals from corner in their last three league games) but Arsenal are seven points worse off than at the same stage last season.
Despite the setbacks, Arsenal remains unbeaten at home since April and boasts a ten-game undefeated streak at the Emirates—the longest current run in the league. Martin Ødegaard is a creative force, having generated 17 chances since his return from injury, the most in the Premier League according to OPTA stats.
Team news: Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are doubts after missing the midweek clash against Monaco, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined.
Everton comes into this match well-rested after their Merseyside derby against Liverpool was postponed due to weather conditions. Their last outing was a thumping 4-0 victory over Wolves, but this marks the start of a brutal schedule with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City looming.
The Toffees have only lost two of their last ten league matches, but all three of their wins this season have come against bottom-tier teams (17th, 18th, and 19th place). Notably, eight of Everton’s 14 goals have come from set-pieces, a potential threat against Arsenal’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Sean Dyche celebrates his 500th match as a manager on Saturday but faces a tough opponent in Arsenal, against whom he has suffered 13 defeats—his second-highest tally after Manchester City. Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are ruled out, while several others remain doubtful.
Everton’s recent form might seem respectable, but their upcoming fixtures against top-tier sides like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City will test their resilience. The Toffees were soundly beaten 4-0 by Manchester United in their last away match and will likely face a similar uphill battle in London.
The Gunners, with no room for error, should secure three points. However, the odds for a straight win (1.23) offer little value. A better option might be betting on Arsenal to keep a clean sheet, priced at 1.69. We will try the second option @ Betsson (3 units)
By Laurinho
The Tipster