Everton vs Arsenal: Match Preview & Latest Team News | OneFootball

Everton vs Arsenal preview as Christmas pressure builds

There is something quietly symbolic about Arsenal’s first visit to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium arriving at this point in the season. December has a habit of sharpening truths in the Premier League, and this rearranged fixture on Merseyside carries the weight of both expectation and doubt. Arsenal arrive knowing that top spot at Christmas remains within reach, but also aware that their grip on momentum has loosened in recent weeks.

By the time Mikel Arteta’s side kick off on Saturday night, Manchester City may already have nudged them aside. That reality adds an edge to a match that already feels awkward, not least because Arsenal have failed to win any of their last three away league games. Scraping past Wolves last weekend offered points rather than reassurance, and trips to former employers have not always been kind to Arteta.

Everton, meanwhile, were left frustrated by defeat at Chelsea, a game that suggested David Moyes’ side remain more competitive than results alone might show. Their recent two game winning run has ended, but not without encouragement, particularly in how difficult they continue to be to break down at home.

Christmas stakes for Arsenal title hopes

This is Arsenal’s penultimate outing before Christmas, and the league table gives the fixture added meaning. December rarely decides championships outright, but it has a habit of exposing teams that lack depth or clarity. Arsenal’s away form has invited questions, and this trip to Everton represents another test of their resilience rather than their flair.

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Arteta will want a sharper performance than the one delivered against Wolves. The Gunners controlled possession without fully controlling the match, a familiar complaint in tight games away from home. If City do their job earlier in the day, the pressure will be unmistakable, and Arsenal’s response will say much about their maturity.

Everton resolve at new home

For Everton, this match is also about identity. Hosting Arsenal for the first time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium offers a statement opportunity, both for players and supporters still adjusting to a new setting. Moyes has built his side around organisation and effort, qualities that often disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.

Injuries, however, complicate Everton’s preparations. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is a doubt after limping off against Chelsea, while Jack Grealish faces a race against time with a hamstring issue. Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are away on AFCON duty, and absentees such as Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman further thin the options. Even so, Everton have shown an ability to remain competitive regardless of personnel.

Team news and tactical choices

Arsenal’s own injury list is significant. Ben White, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman are all unavailable, forcing adjustments at both ends of the pitch. Riccardo Calafiori returns from suspension, while Martin Zubimendi is expected to be fit despite missing training earlier in the week.

Selection decisions in attack may prove decisive. Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli struggled to impose themselves against Wolves, opening the door for Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus or Martin Odegaard to start. Arsenal’s ability to move the ball quickly through Everton’s compact shape will likely determine the outcome.

Everton vs Arsenal prediction

A rare week without midweek action could help Arsenal rediscover some energy. Everton will make this uncomfortable, but if the pressure arrives early, Arsenal have the quality to respond. Expect control rather than spectacle, and a result that keeps the title race tightly wound.

Prediction, Arsenal to win 3-1.