Everton travel to Arsenal on Sunday hoping to maintain their push for a European place this season with both teams being given a big boost with the fact that fifth place now means a Champions league place.
The Blues come into the game ahead of the Gunners in the Premier League table with just two points separating the sides adding extra significance to what is always a stand out fixture given the history of the two clubs. Only Liverpool have taken more points in the Premier League than Everton since Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment and their only defeat came away to reigning champions Manchester City on New year’s day. Arsenal have also started to pick up under their new manager Mikel Arteta, an ex-Everton player, winning their last two games in all competitions.
The big team news for the Toffee’s coming into the game is that Andre Gomes is set to return to the squad less than 4 months after horrifically injuring his right ankle. However their doubts over a few players who might miss out including Theo Walcott and Brazilian Bernard. Fabian Delph with also return from his suspension to be availible for the game.
As for Arsenal Kieran Tierney, Callum Chambers and Cedric are all out. There are also a number of doubts for Arsenal, those being Lucas Torreira, Pablo Mari, Sokratis and Mustafi. Eddie Nketiah who was re-called from his loan spell at Leeds started the last league game against Newcastle but Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette is expected to be recalled to the first team.
When the two sides met back in December the game ended 0-0 with the two managers sat in the stands watching the game. The blues have a poor recent record in this fixture winning just 2 of the last 11 league games in the Premier league and amazingly haven’t won away at Arsenal since 1996. With the Toffee’s ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League this may be one of the best chances they get to end that winless run.
Arsenal Vs Everton kick off at 4:30 on Sunday and can be watched on Sky Sports.
(Picture Courtesy of Everton FC)
