Arsenal host Everton in a desperate attempt to secure Champions League football next season. The Gunners’ defeat to Newcastle on Monday night meant that qualification for Europe’s elite competition is not in their hands. They need a victory against the Toffees, and hope that Norwich City can pull off an upset against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Everton on the other hand will battle for Premier League survival. Although there is a chance that they may be mathematically safe come Sunday, a victory would be of great joy to Frank Lampard. The reverse fixture saw Everton complete a comeback in the 92nd minute courtesy of a Demari Gray stunner, ending an 8 game winless streak.
Arsenal: Team News
Takehiro Tomiyasu will be a doubt after he had to subbed off against Newcastle. Cedric Soares will be his likely replacement. Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney will too miss out following their long term injuries. Mikel Arteta may also replace Emile Smith Rowe with Gabriel Martinelli after the latter’s dismal performance on Monday.
Everton: Team News
Everton are set to be without Saloman Rondon and Jarrad Branthwite following their red cards against Brentford. Andros Townsend and Fabian Delph miss out through injury, while defenders Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina remain doubtful.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Xhaka, Elneny, Martinelli, Odregard, Saka, Nketiah
Everton (3-4-3): Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Iwobi, Doucore, Allan, Myolenko, Gordon, Calvert Lewin, Richarlison
Prediction
Both teams have a lot on the line for this game. The Emirates would be fully behind their teams. Arsenal, although will be disappointed on not making the Champions League after 5 years, have reasons to be optimistic after one of their better seasons in recent memory.
For the blue side of Merseyside though, it was a season to forget. They will hope that Burnley and Leeds can slip up so that their safety is ensured, and continue rebuilding under a promising manager next season. Meanwhile, for this game, Arsenal may just have the edge and grab a narrow win.
Arsenal 2-1 Everton
