Everton will host Arsenal at Goodison Park on Monday in the Premier League. The home side are in a poor run of form, while the away side were defeated last time around. Can Everton bounce back at home against Arsenal?
Everton suffered a thumping 1-4 defeat at home against Liverpool in the midweek, as their poor run of form continued. Their season has been ravaged by injuries, as many of their starting XI players remain sidelined. The defeat against Arsenal was Everton’s third successive defeat, and they are now winless in eight fixtures. As a result, they have slipped to the 14th spot in the league with four wins, three draws, and seven losses in 14 games. With huge pressure mounting on Rafa Benitez, his side would be desperate to secure a win. Everton hierarchy have given their vote of confidence to Benitez and are expecting him to turn the situation around. Although the upcoming round of fixtures would prove to be a tough test for Rafa Benitez’s men. Forward Salomon Rondon joined Everton’s extensive list of injuries as he picked up a hamstring concern this week. Tom Davies, Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina, and Calvert-Lewin are all sidelined for the match as well. Richarlison is set to lead the line-up for Everton.
In their previous game at home against Merseyside rivals Liverpool, Everton were dismantled 1-4. Goals from Henderson, Salah and Jota provided the three points to Liverpool. Demarai Gray scored the consolation goal for Everton in the first half. The Reds were dominant in terms of multiple attacking metrics. Their xG of 2.37 surpassed that of Everton’s 0.45. Liverpool took twice as many shots as Everton. Salah had the highest xG in the match, while he also took the highest number of shots. Demarai Gray made the highest number of dribbles for his side.
In terms of successful aerial duels, Everton are sixth in the league. They average more than 16 successful aerial duels per match as well, indicating their high success rate in aerial duels.
After a disappointing start to the season, Arsenal planted their feet back in the league, with seven wins in 11 matches, although they have suffered a recent slump, losing two of their last three matches. They have suffered a 0-4 defeat away at Liverpool and a 2-3 defeat away at Manchester United in recent weeks. Mikel Arteta’s men would be looking to get back to winning ways when they visit Goodison Park. They are placed fifth in the Premier League, with seven wins, two draws, and five losses in 14 games. Leno, Xhaka, and Kolasinac are nearing a return to full fitness, although they remain unavailable for the game against Everton. After making the bench in the previous match, Bukayo Saka could be in contention for the starting XI.
In their previous game against Manchester United, Arsenal started the match brilliantly, as they took the lead through Smith-Rowe in the 13th minute, but Manchester United pulled one back via Bruno Fernandes. The Gunners went behind early in the second half, following which Odegaard managed to level the score. Cristiano Ronaldo then gave his side the advantage through a penalty in the 69th minute as United secured a 3-2 win at home. Arsenal had a higher xG than their opponents in the game, and they also took more shots.
In terms of expected goals, Arsenal are placed at the fifth spot in the league. They average more than one expected goal per match. They have been effective in creating chances.
Predicted XI
Everton (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Townsend, Doucoure, Allan, Gordon; Iwobi; Richarlison.
Arsenal (4-4-1-1): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Martinelli, Partey, Elneny, Smith-Rowe; Odegaard ; Aubameyang.
Prediction
Everton will make it difficult for Arsenal at home. However, Arsenal should be able to produce the good against Everton and claim a narrow victory.
