If you told an Arsenal fan in November that a time would come this season when the team would be scraping for a fourth place finish, you would think that person is delusional. As we step into the business end of the season, the Gunners horrendous form in the league that has seen them take 13 points from a possible 30, coupled with Everton’s hot streak has seen the toffees close down on the Gunners for that last coveted Champions League slot.
Everton’s home record this season have been very impregnable with just one loss in all competitions but Everton have not tasted victory against the north London side since March 2007 and they were well-beaten at the Emirates Stadium four weeks ago, with Arsenal winning 4-1 in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Everton are four points behind Arsenal with a game in hand and, if Arsenal avoid defeat in this game, then they will finish fourth and they can go and concentrate on the FA Cup. Arsenal’s fixture list is ‘less challenging’ than Everton’s and a positive result will spur them on for that FA Cup semi-final encounter against Wigan.
I still think Arsenal will finish fourth because they have better fixtures than Everton, but this will be a hard game for them. They can’t afford to lose it and I think they will get a draw – but Everton will know that this is their chance.
The last three league meetings between the two sides have ended in draws. Â Arsenal have not lost to Everton in the league since May 2007 and they are unbeaten in their last six trips to Goodison Park.
Everton are without a win in their last 14 matches in all competitions against Arsenal
Everton have now won five consecutive Premier League games, their longest winning run since November 2002 and Romelu Lukaku has scored four times in his last six games, including Everton’s goal in their 4-1 FA Cup defeat against Arsenal on 8 March.
Arsenal.
Arsenal have only taken 13 points from a possible 33 in their games against the current Premier League top seven this season and the Gunners have only won three of their last 10 Premier League games (W3, D4, L3).
However, the Gunners can take solace in the fact that only Manchester United (30) have earned more points away from home than Arsenal (29) this season.
To injuries, Everton will be without Darron Gibson (knee), Arouna Koné (knee), Bryan Oviedo (broken leg), Lacina Traoré (hamstring), Steven Pienaar (knee), Phil Jagielka (hamstring). Ross Barkley would face a fitness test for his calf injury.
For Arsenal, the regular suspects, Abou Diaby (knee), Theo Walcott (knee), Jack Wilshere (foot), Mesut Ăzil (hamstring), Laurent Koscielny (calf), Serge Gnabry (knee) are out. Kieran Gibbs (ankle) is a doubt but Nacho Monreal is fit.
enjoy the game wherever you are.
Sayonara.
