Venue: Goodison Park

Date: 23/08/2014

Kick-off: 17:30 (BST)

Match

Everton manager Roberto Martinez would have been slightly disappointed after seeing his side only manage a draw against Leicester City on the opening day of the campaign and lose two valuable points so late into the game.

Nevertheless, there were certainly a lot of positives from the game for Everton to take back and the result against the Foxes should be seen as a point gained rather than two points lost.

Now, the real test of Martinez’s men’s mettle will be during their first home game of the season when they welcome title contenders Arsenal to Goodison Park on Saturday.

Having thumped Arsenal in the corresponding fixture, Everton will undoubtedly very be confident heading into the game.

However, one should bear in mind that the current Gunners side are a completely different proposition to the one which got humiliated at Goodison Park last time out and it will surely be a much closer affair on Saturday.

Everton Team News

Much of Everton’s preparation to the game has been dominated by the loss of Ross Barkley for potentially 5 months due to a knee injury.

While the loss of Barkley is certainly a huge blow for the Toffees, Martinez cannot dwell on his absence and will have to keep his side focused for the task at hand against Arsenal.

It is not all bad news for Everton though, as Martinez will be able to welcome back key players Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas to the side for the clash while new signing Christian Atsu will also be available.

Coleman should slot straight into right back by replacing John Stones while the trio of Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines are set to retain their place in the back four.

The duo of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry will continue in midfield and having put in an impressive performance against Leicester, widemen Steven Pienaar and Aiden McGeady are also expected to start against the Gunners despite Mirallas and Atsu being available.

Steven Naismith did a wonderful job last time out and will be deployed behind the lone man Romelu Lukaku once again.

Probable Lineups

Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman; Pienaar, McCarthy, Naismith, Barry, McGeady; Lukaku

Arsenal (Probable XI): Szczesny ; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Sánchez, Ramsey, Flamini, Wilshere, Cazorla; Giroud

Form

Everton:  D

Arsenal: W D

Last Meeting

06/04/2014         Everton 3 – 0 Arsenal

08/03/2014         Arsenal 4 – 1 Everton

08/12/2013         Arsenal 1 – 1 Everton

Prediction

While it is too early to draw conclusion, Everton look strong contenders to finish in the top four this season and certainly seem better equipped than they were last year. That being said, the Toffees still have to prove their credentials and could not have picked a better game against title challengers Arsenal to do so.

Riding high on their thumping of Arsenal last season, Everton certainly have no reason to fear the Gunners. However, Arsenal have made a couple of fantastic signings over the summer and the Toffees can ill afford to be complacent.

 

With two teams who have the philosophy of playing free flowing attacking football squaring off against each other, the match should be an exciting affair where a host of chances will be created.

Everton will probably look to play on the break but the loss of Ross Barkley will surely be a huge blow. As for Arsenal, possession football seems to be their mantra and the solid Toffees back four as well as the two holding midfielders will need to perform at their best if they are to earn a positive victory from the game.

The two teams look very closely matched and little details could decide the outcome of the match. While both the sides will be fancying their chances, the outcome will most probably be a score draw.

Everton 1 – 1 Arsenal