Premier League preview – Everton vs Arsenal prediction.

Everton midfielder Gareth Barry begins a two-match suspension for being sent off in last week’s FA Cup victory over Chelsea which could see Muhamed Besic making his fifth start in an injury-plagued season. Attacking midfielder Kevin Mirallas will serve the second of his two-match ban with Tom Cleverley is set to continue in the role he played against Chelsea. Brian Oviedo has been suffering a chest ailment and is doubtful along with Darren Gibson. Tony Hibbert has returned to training after a long absence with a knee injury but is not expected to be part of the matchday squad.

Arsenal have confirmed it was an injury which forced Mathieu Flamini’s substitution before half-time against Barcelona on Wednesday. His possible absence on Saturday leaves Arsene Wenger with only Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin available for the defensive midfield roles. 19-year-old Alex Iwobi made his full debut for Arsenal at Camp Nou and will push for another start leaving Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud facing the prospect of starting on the bench.

Possible Line-ups

Everton 4-2-3-1 formation: Robles; Coleman, Jagielka, Mori, Baines; McCarthy, Besic; Lennon, Barkley, Cleverley; Lukaku

Arsenal 4-2-3-1 formation: Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Elneny, Coquelin; Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck; Giroud

Statistics

  • Everton have won 6 drawn 0 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches
  • Arsenal have won 3 drawn 2 and lost 5 of their last 10 matches
  • Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Everton have scored an average of 2 goals and conceded an average of 1 goal per game
  • Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Arsenal have scored an average of 1.5 goals and conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game
  • There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Everton’s previous 10 matches
  • There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Arsenal’s previous 10 matches

Prediction 

Everton’s FA Cup success at Goodison Park last weekend masks some indifferent league performances, especially at home. The Toffees have lost the last two at home in the Premier League and the 3-0 defeat of Newcastle in early February was the only win in their last eight home games which have yielded just five points in total. 

Arsenal have endured a poor two weeks, getting knocked out of the FA Cup and Champions League while losing ground in the Premier League title race after earning one point from the last three league games. Third-placed Arsenal face a battle to finish in the top 4 unless they can turnaround recent results,They have Manchester City and West Ham United in close pursuit. Despite recent performances, Arsene Wenger’s side has one the best away records in the division, having won 7 and dawn 4 of their 15 Premier League road trips.

Arsenal have shown they can overcome adversity to put in a strong finish to the season and can start by gaining their first victory at Goodison since March 2012.

Tips 

Arsenal to win at 17/10 with bet365

Over 2.5 goals at 77/100 with Marathonbet

Arsenal to win 2-1 at 10/1 with bet365

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