Everton vs Arsenal: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Where to Watch | OneFootball

A depleted Everton squad will host league leaders Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday night.

The Toffees will look to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, they’ll face an uphill battle against the Gunners following the departure of key players Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, while also dealing with multiple injuries.

Ndiaye and Gana have left to join the Senegal national team camp, one of the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and could potentially miss the next eight games if they make it to the final.

Meanwhile, injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Seamus Coleman and Merlin Röhl are bound to make things difficult for David Moyes. Before their loss to Chelsea on the road, the Toffees had won four of their last five games, beating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in their last clash on home turf.

They’re currently ninth in the table and only have two-point deficits to make up to Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Sunderland, occupying positions between 5 and 8, respectively.

Everton held Arsenal to two draws last season and they have only lost one of their last seven Premier League home matches against the Gunners, although they find themselves occupying a new home this season, having bid goodbye to Goodison Park.

While Arsenal are arriving into this game on the back of a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was actually one of their worst performances of the season. Wolves deserved to come back from Emirates Stadium with at least a point after Tolu Arokodare equalised at the 90th-minute mark; however, in a cruel twist of fate, Yerson Mosquera emulated teammate Sam Johnstone and ended up putting the ball into his own net four minutes later.

The win at home helped Mikel Arteta’s side maintain their two-point lead at the top over Manchester City but Arsenal are starting to show signs of slowing down after keeping just one clean sheet in their last six Premier League games and conceding the first goal in each of their last three top-flight away matches.

Everton vs Arsenal - Team News and Predicted Starting XI

Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will be the major names absent from David Moyes’ usual squad list this season, with the former two having left for AFCON and Dewsbury-Hall picking up a hamstring issue at Stamford Bridge.

Jack Grealish also felt something in his hamstring and was taken off five minutes before the end as a precaution, along with James Garner, who is one yellow card away from suspension.

Branthwaite, Rohl and Coleman are expected to miss out once again, having barely featured this season.

Ndiaye’s absence should pave the way for Tyler Dibling, the Toffees’ most expensive summer signing, to get a good stretch of games for the first time in a royal blue shirt after arriving from the south coast.

Meanwhile, Charly Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam are expected to fill in for Dewsbury-Hall and Gana, respectively.

Everton’s predicted starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Jake O'Brien, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, Vitalii Mykolenko; James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam; Tyler Dibling, Charly Alcaraz, Jack Grealish; Thierno Barry

Everton vs Arsenal - Head-to-Head Record

Matches played: 225

Everton wins: 65

Arsenal wins: 112

Draws: 48

Everton vs Arsenal - Form Guide

Everton: W-L-W-W-L

Arsenal: W-D-W-L-W

When is Everton vs Arsenal?

Everton will host Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, December 20. Kickoff is scheduled at 8:00 pm UK time.

Where to Watch Everton vs Arsenal?

The Premier League contest between Everton and Arsenal will be available on Sky Sports+ for viewers in the UK.

Fans can also watch Everton face Arsenal on Sky Go and on the Sky Sports app, while it is also available via Now TV's Sports membership.

Reader Comments (21)

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John Keating 1 Posted 18/12/2025 at 16:12:31

Midfield has to be Iroegbunam and Garner

Depends on Grealish's fitness but, if not available, I can see McNeil starting out left. If Grealish is fit, maybe McNeil can play midfield in place of Dewsbury-Hall. It will be a toss up between McNeil and Alcaraz.

I'm still not sure Moyes trusts Dibling and may prefer Alcaraz out wide.

I think so much depends on Grealish's fitness...

Dale Self 2 Posted 18/12/2025 at 16:23:54

Save Grealish until we have made it to halftime. Make it clear that whoever is on the left wing (likely McNeil) that Jack will be on early in the 2nd half.

I personally would not mind seeing McNeil at Number 10 to see if Jack can set him up.

Jay Harris 3 Posted 18/12/2025 at 17:43:35

At least McNeil and Alcaraz know where the goal is but neither of them is good defensively or holding on to the ball.

This is a real backs-to-the-wall game without Grealish, Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall.

KITAP1 has never been more appropriate.

Laurie Hartley 5 Posted 18/12/2025 at 23:11:12

I watched them against Wolves who were very unlucky not to come away without a point.

I think they are about to enter their annual wobbling period. Let's give them a shove.

Paul Griffiths 6 Posted 19/12/2025 at 04:34:02

I'm quaking and shaking about what might happen on our left flank with Saka in such good form. I shudder about what might happen on our right flank with, take your pick, Eze, Trossard, Martinelli, Madueke out there.

I'm trembling about Rice and Saka on corners. I'm quivering about Rice who must be in the running for Player of the Year.

This all said, I'm going for us to win 3-1. Barry 2, Rice OG.

Jimmy Carr 7 Posted 19/12/2025 at 06:57:42

I'm surprised you could keep your hands steady to type, Paul. Anyway, a very optimistic prediction nonetheless. I'm going for a grim 1-0 Dycheian, anti-football masterclass from Moyes.

The winner following a scuffed shot from McNeil deflecting off Barry's knee in the 87th minute. Goal eventually given following a 9-minute VAR interruption to try and find a reason to disallow it.

Arteta raging about ‘dark forces' and a ‘deep state conspiracy' after the game. Or something.

Paul Griffiths 8 Posted 19/12/2025 at 07:11:50

I'm now going 4-1 Jimmy mate. Beto, last minute, mis-kicked left foot slight touch, taking an agonising 7 seconds to go over the line. Barry, in Yank language, assist.

Moysey went 2 up front in the last 4 minutes.

9 Posted 19/12/2025 at 09:43:26

I've suggested a back three with wing backs on the other thread but Moyes isn't going to do that, and fair enough -- he's the expert, not me.

Hopefully his team selection should, and hopefully will, depend on Jack Grealish's actual fitness. If there is any niggle or doubt, he should be left out and rested for the future games, especially that cup game.

If he plays, Arsenal will target him and, as a Sly Six side, will get the benefit of the doubt in the systematic, tactical fouling of him. If he is fully fit, of course he should play.

If he is fit:

PickfordO'Brien Tarkowski Keane MykolenkoMcNeil Garner Alcaraz Iroegbunam GrealishBarry (or Beto -- makes no difference)

If he isn't:

PickfordO'Brien Tarkowski Keane MykolenkoDibling Garner Alcaraz Iroegbunam McNeilBarry (or Beto etc)

If we were playing anyone outside of Arsenal, Chelsea or Villa at the moment, I'd be reasonably confident that either of those sides could still give a good account of themselves, even without Ndiaye.

I don't do predictions as they usually bite me in the arse (English spelling, note) but I will never predict a loss. That said, I will be watching (in the pub) from behind several pints of anaesthetic Guinness.

Brian Harrison 10 Posted 19/12/2025 at 09:51:24

With so many key players unavailable to us, this will be a tough ask to get anything from this game.

Our 2 leading goal scorers are missing in Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye, so that doesn't bode well. There is still a doubt about Grealish being fit for the game; if he isn't and Dibling doesn't start, then the club have serious questions to answer, and I hope at least 1 journalist asks about Dibling's lack of game time.

The positives are Mykolenko usually has a good game against Saka, our back 4 are pretty solid, but I have to wonder where will our goals come from. Playing with either Barry or Beto is like playing with 10 men, and I hope that we sign a proper striker when the window opens and the choice is solely Moyes's and not our appaling recruitment team.

I am sure our crowd will be extra brilliant tomorrow knowing how depleted we will be this team will need our backing. Also looking forward to what the 1878 group are doing with the South Stand.

Ian Wilkins 12 Posted 19/12/2025 at 11:57:57

I'll take an opening stab at the Recruiting team Mark, then others can correct me.

I think the team comprises:

Angus Kinnear, CEO; Nick Cox, Technical Director, ex Man Utd; James Smith, head of scouting, ex Man City; Nick Hammond, head of strategy; and of course... David Moyes.

We are told by our CEO that the team works as a committee in a flatter structure.

The team was assembled late, and in some cases beyond last window, but have had a full compliment for over 3 months now. It is reported that, like numerous other teams, our team is heavily data and analytics based.

What's coming our way in January is anybody's guess. I hope we have a clear plan, I hope we have taken soundings on realistic targets (loan or acquisition), not chasing players who are unachievable.

It's a difficult market in January, but I think we should be seeking to add sensibly.

Pavel Ivanov 14 Posted 19/12/2025 at 13:48:50

I am flying over from Sofia to watch the Arsenal game with a good friend of mine (an Arsenal fan, but otherwise a lovely fellow).

I would love to meet any and all ToffeeWeb regulars over a pint or ten before and after the game. Where would you suggest to go to fulfil the plan stated above?

Dale Self 15 Posted 19/12/2025 at 13:54:15

Pavel, check with Mark Murphy, although I'm sure others will chime in.

I'm jealous!

And oh yeah, Stoichkov was the one who lit up football for me.

Harry Diamond 16 Posted 19/12/2025 at 14:01:34

The sort of post we love to see, Pavel.

Enjoy the game!

Jay Harris 17 Posted 19/12/2025 at 15:18:46

After listening to Moyes presser it seems Rohl and Grealish are available for this one but I still expect a backs to the wall performance against what is arguably the best team in Europe atm.

With such a small squad the team virtually picks itself with the only debate being Dibling or McNeil, Ironbaugham or Rohl or a rotation of them.

McNeill seems to have lost a lot of pace following his injury last year but does pose a goal threat and the game may well be slow paced and tight.

Rohl has looked good and bad in his two appearances so may well be on the bench.

Dibling is an enigma. Is he really a 40m player or not. I guess we should find out in this game.

The only other debate is Barry or Beto or dare I suggest it a false 9 (Alcaraz?). It is better than playing with 10 men.

Kevin Molloy 18 Posted 19/12/2025 at 15:26:42

Grealish being fit is huge. Arsenal know now they need to be wary. They can't just throw the sink at us. Great news that Kohl is also available, will be interesting to see whether he plays, Moyes obv likes him a lot. We've got a lot out, but we've still got a good team. tomorrow is by no means a forlorn hope, Barry will be getting better with every game, and I expect to see Dibling get half an hour. I reckon Alcaraz will be right up for this one.

Just don't concede any goals, Everton.

Mark Murphy 21 Posted 19/12/2025 at 16:22:34

Pavel, I'm not at this game, and I'm not aware yet of a regular replacement to the old Harlech for pre match drinks but personally I can recommend the Ten Streets Social which is just before you arrive at the ground itself, on the way in from town.

It gets packed mind, so get there early, especially if you want some food.

Its kind of a fan park (but indoors) and has live, Everton themed, music before and after the game. Great atmosphere, especially if we win!

There are also a couple of other venues down the same strip, if 10 streets gets too busy.

I hope you enjoy the game - I wish I was there.

Raymond Fox 23 Posted 19/12/2025 at 16:24:36

The betting is 5/1 Everton 4/7 Arsenal 3/1 a Draw.

Good news that Gealish plays, but I got the impression watching Moyes that Rohl will not start the game. I don't think you can expect him to.

The team keeps suprising me with results - I get it wrong almost every game -, so I'm not going to venture a prediction this time. It does seem like the odds are stacked against us for this one though.

I'm just hoping for the best. I would start with Barry for 45mins and then bring on Beto. I think he will pick Mc Neil before Dibling, but then it will depend how the games going when he brings the lad on.