Prediction: Everton vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Premier League, Arsenal will make the trip to Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.

Everton

Starting with the hosts, while Everton might have made the decision to appoint new boss Sean Dyche earlier in the week, the former Burnley boss knows that he faces a huge uphill struggle in 2023. Only continuing on what has been a nightmare Premier League campaign this season, the Blues find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in the bottom-three, fans around Goodison Park will be more than aware that they have a real challenge on their hands here. Last seen in top-flight action getting hit with a toothless 2-0 defeat away at fellow strugglers West Ham, Dyche’s new squad have remarkably failed to record a single domestic victory since way back in April. Likewise, now losing each of their last four matchups against Premier League opposition by an aggregate score of 11-3. With their woeful spell underlined by a 4-1 drumming against Brighton on January 3rd, it should also be noted that Everton have suffered four consecutive defeats at Goodison Park.

Team News

Still dealing with a pair of long-term injury issues, Everton will once again be without the duo of Andros Townsend and Nathan Patterson this weekend. Likewise, Dyche is also sweating over the fitness of James Garner, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey here.

While Dominic Calvert-Lewin might still be looking to open his post-World Cup account, the 25-year-old should lead Dyche’s charge on Saturday lunchtime.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have been disappointed after watching their FA Cup adventure come to an abrupt end last weekend, the mood in north London remains at a red-hot high. Only continuing on what has been a history-making campaign at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s youngsters are sat in pole position to claim a first Premier League crown since 2004. Gaining a string of plaudits from across Europe on either side of the World Cup break, the one-time Manchester City coach should be smelling the chance for his squad to lay down another title marker here. Last seen on top-flight duties claiming a last-gasp 3-2 victory against Manchester United on January 22nd, it should be noted that Arsenal have suffered just a single Premier League defeat this season. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a commanding five-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table, the Gunners have also won each of their previous four top-flight battles outside of north London.

Team News

Arsenal look set to once again be without the quartet of Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny when they make the trip to Goodison Park this weekend. Cedric Soares and Albert Sambi Lokonga both left the club on Deadline Day.

Making the shock move from Arsenal earlier in the week, Jorginho is expected to feature in Arteta’s matchday squad on Saturday lunchtime.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on May 22nd, Arsenal picked up a 5-1 romp at the Emirates.
• Arsenal have suffered just a single Premier League defeat so far this season.
• Everton have failed to record a single domestic victory since back on October 22nd.
• Likewise, Saturday’s hosts have lost each of their last four Premier League showdowns at Goodison Park.
• The Gunners have collected 19 points from their last seven Premier League meetings away from the Emirates.

Conclusion

Despite watching their FA Cup run come to an end last weekend, Arsenal will be smelling the chance to lay down another title marker here. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding a five-point buffer over the chasing pack, the Gunners are enjoying what has quickly become a history-making campaign in north London. Last seen in Premier League action snatching a last-gasp 3-2 win against Manchester United, Everton will face a huge challenge on Saturday lunchtime. At the heart of a relegation scrap and without a domestic victory to their name since back on October 2nnd, the Blues have also lost each of their last four top-flight showdowns on home soil. Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, we’re backing a fairly routine away win at Goodison Park.

Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet