On Saturday Mikel Arteta will lead Arsenal to Goodison Park where his team confronts a decisive challenge toward winning the Premier League title. With Liverpool leading by twelve points and only eight matches remaining the Gunners will need to refrain from making any errors. David Moyes now leads Everton while trying to secure a stable midtable spot and build upon the impressive home success he achieved since returning to management.
Arsenal’s Form and Title Chase
The goals Arsenal had for winning the title have significantly diminished due to their recent disappointing performance. During their recent six games Arsenal managed to accumulate only 11 points and this showed their inconsistent form. The Gunners show weak performance outside of their home turf because they have lost twice and drawn twice in their last four away matches although they won once in this span. A win against Everton would reduce the Liverpool gap to nine points and help Arsenal maintain their faint title prospects.
The team faces additional difficulties because multiple defense team members currently recuperate from injuries. The Champions League quarterfinals vs. Real Madrid face a major challenge from the absence of center-back Gabriel Magalhães. The team gained a boost when Bukayo Saka made his injury recovery by netting a goal as Arsenal defeated Fulham at Craven Cottage by 2-1.
Everton’s Resurgence Under Moyes
Since Moyes took over as Everton manager the team has achieved remarkable progress. The team entered the Merseyside derby match against Liverpool with nine consecutive unbeaten games under their belt but lost the game 1-0. Their current form shows promising signs because they successfully position 15th in the standings with 34 points beyond the relegation danger zone.
Home matches under Moyes have proven successful for his Everton team. Most of Moyes's matches at Goodison Park produced either victory or draw as Everton never tasted defeat. Throughout the previous nine matches Everton has increased the number of goals scored to 15 while remaining unparalleled at 17 goals scored during their first 20 league games.
Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal lead this Premier League rivalry as they have triumphed in four matches during their previous six meetings with Everton (one single draw and one defeat). In earlier times Everton managed to accomplish three consecutive victories against Arsenal team.
Key Players to Watch
The return of Bukayo Saka gives Arsenal a big advantage because he will operate as a vital force across the front together with Gabriel Martinelli. Everton opener Beto will lead their attacks as Saliba continues filling in absence of major central defense figures alongside Ødegaard and Rice in midfield.
Everton's leading attacking weapon becomes Beto because their striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains unfit to play. The striker has netted five times since Moyes took over the Everton manager position and thus emerged as one of the Premier League's leading goal scorers. Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure plays a role in unlocking Arsenal defense through his creative gameplay.
Team News and Injury Updates
Orel Mangala faces a long recovery period due to a knee issue which will keep him sidelined until late 2025 while Dwight McNeil, Dominic Calvert-Lewin together with Iliman Ndiaye are unavailable. The Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko sits out due to a worker thigh damage.
The upcoming matches will find Arsenal without Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kai Havertz who face prolonged absences from competition. Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães along with Ben White will miss this match as Jurriën Timber faces uncertainty due to his early departure against Fulham.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Goodison Park hosts Arsenal who maintain a 56% chance to win while Everton stand at a 17% probability to secure the victory. A draw is rated at 27%. Everton have established themselves as defensive strong opponents while Arsenal requires a win at Goodison Park so the upcoming match will be tightly contested.
Prediction: Everton 1-2 Arsenal.