Prediction: Everton vs Arsenal

Verdict: Both teams to score and Alexandre Lacazette to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

Looking to shore up their spot in the top four, Arsenal will travel to Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

Everton

Starting with the hosts, while Everton have undoubtedly struggled with their consistency this season, Marco Silva will be hoping for his side to enjoy a bright end to the campaign after picking up a pair of 2-0 victories over West Ham and Chelsea. Managing back to back wins for just the second time this year, the Toffees have reclaimed their spot in the top half of the Premier League table. Looking to mount a late charge, the former Watford boss will still be demanding his side improve on their performances at Goodison Park at the back end of the campaign. Everton’s win over Chelsea last month is their only win on Merseyside in their last four appearances and they have managed just two victories at Goodison since the 24th of November. The Toffees will also head into Sunday’s contest with a worrying record against their visitors. Suffering a 2-0 loss in the reverse fixture, Everton could lose five consecutive Premier League matches against Arsenal for the first time in 19 years. If Sunday’s hosts are to continue on what could be their brightest run in recent memory, Silva will be looking for playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson to lead their charge. The 29-year-old has been involved in a team-high 23 goals since the start of last season, scoring 16 and assisting seven.

Team News

Everton manager Marco Silva is expected to keep faith with the same line-up that secured a second successive league victory last weekend.

Colombia international Yerry Mina is Everton’s only absentee through injury.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, picking up a 2-0 win at home to Newcastle on Monday and extending their unbeaten run to six top-flight matches, Arsenal suddenly find themselves in pole position to book a Champions League return. With the chance to once again leapfrog bitter rivals Tottenham to third spot, the mood in Unai Emery’s camp will be on a high. Also gearing up for a Europa League quarter-final against Napoli next week, the former PSG boss will be hoping that his side can build on some much-needed defensive stability. The Gunners have now kept three consecutive clean sheets across all competitions, a run that also saw them pick up a 2-0 win over Manchester United last month. While they are enjoying arguably their brightest spell, their form away from the Emirates has been a huge concern. Arsenal’s 2-1 win away at Huddersfield back in February is their only away victory in their last eight outings, a run that stems all the way back to November. If the Gunners are to shore up their position in the top four, then fans in North London will be looking for the in-form Alexandre Lacazette to carry on his recent success. The France international once again found the net against Newcastle on Monday and now has four in his last six. The 27-year-old has also found the net in both of his previous meetings with Everton.

Team News

Arsenal have several selection concerns, with Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny both injury doubts and Lucas Torreira suspended.

Aaron Ramsey is available after being substituted with a groin problem during Monday’s win against Newcastle.

Key Factors to Consider

• The Gunners have scored 107 goals versus Everton, a Premier League record against a single team.
• Arsenal have not kept a Premier League clean sheet on the road in their last 14 matches.
• Alexandre Lacazette has scored in both of his previous appearances against Everton.
• Everton have won consecutive Premier League fixtures for only the second time this season.
• Marco Silva’s side could keep three consecutive clean sheets for the first time in 2018-19.

Conclusion

On paper, both Emery and Silva will see this as a golden opportunity to keep up their momentum. With Everton’s continued struggles at Goodison this season, coupled with Arsenal’s worrying record on the road, we’re backing a lively encounter on Sunday. Along with backing both teams to find the net this weekend, we’re expecting a red-hot Alexandre Lacazette to extend his goalscoring tally against the Toffees.

Verdict: Both teams to score and Alexandre Lacazette to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Bet365