Everton vs. Arsenal: EPL Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

On Saturday lunchtime, former Everton teammates will reconvene on the Goodison Park touchline for the last time when David Moyes's Toffees take on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Gunners consolidated their second-place position with a 2-1 home victory over Fulham, while the Merseyside team lost in the derby to Liverpool in their last match.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

It was ironic that another returning Gunner, during Arsenal's London derby with Fulham, lit the Emirates Stadium ablaze on a day when other ex-Gooners—including Emile Smith Rowe, Bernd Leno, Willian, and Alex Iwobi—returned to their former haunts.

Almost immediately after coming on as a substitute for Mikel Merino due to a significant hamstring injury, Bukayo Saka scored a goal at the backstick to put Arsenal ahead. Saka then shared a touching embrace with Arsenal's strength and conditioning coach.

Due to Rodrigo Muniz's last-gasp consolation, which erased Arsenal's clean sheet but not their three points, Saka's close-range shot was crucial. Arsenal retained their four-point lead over Nottingham Forest in the silver medal position.

Even if Arsenal's championship hopes in the Premier League will inevitably wilt out, Arteta's squad shouldn't let go of their stranglehold on Champions League football just yet—a little relief before their next doubleheader against Real Madrid.

Arsenal will want to extend their impressive Premier League road undefeated streak to eleven matches before thinking about the Bernabeu. However, whether they're playing on the blue or red side of the pitch, visiting Merseyside has been a frustrating experience for the visitors for a while.

As Moyes tries to out-plan the student at his soon-to-be former home, it's encouraging to note that Arsenal have only won three of their previous 26 Premier League away matches against Everton and Liverpool combined.

After losing their nine-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League to Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday—a game in which Everton were fortunate to escape with a point deduction due to an awful challenge by James Tarkowski on Alexis Mac Allister—the disappointment must have been palpable for them as well.

After four consecutive draws, the Toffees lost their first Premier League game since January 15 and extended their winless streak to five games. Despite this, the hosts remain in 15th position with a massive 14-point advantage above the relegation zone.

Everton have conceded a goal in six of their previous seven home games, as well as in each of their last eight games overall. Diogo Jota scored the winning goal for Liverpool in midweek, so the Toffees have lost a little defensive traction despite Moyes's inspiring comeback.

In 2023–24, the Merseyside club also lost 1-0 at Goodison to Arsenal, ending a five-game home winning streak against the Gunners. However, after securing a scoreless draw at the Emirates in December, the Toffees maintained a clean sheet in both league encounters with Arsenal in the same season, a feat not seen in 112 years.

Everton x Arsenal Team News

In line with Arsenal's season-long trend, three additional injuries plagued Saka's return: Ben White's niggle forced him to miss Fulham's victory. In contrast, derby injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring) and Jurrien Timber (knee) further complicated matters.

Although official diagnoses have not arrived for either man, early signs indicate that Gabriel's situation is concerning; as a result, Thomas Partey will once again start at right back, and Jakub Kiwior will get a rare start in defense.

The Arsenal injury report still lists Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), and Kai Havertz (hamstring) as out for the season. However, after a miraculous 30-minute recovery in midweek, Saka is now a serious contender to make his 2025 opening-match debut.

After the PGMOL acknowledged that Tarkowski's tackle on Mac Allister was a red-card violation, the ex-Burnley player should be punished for Everton's match against Burnley, but he is free to start.

Important striker Iliman Ndiaye is back to full fitness and had a second-half cameo in the defeat to Liverpool, which is better than the situation with Orel Mangala (knee), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (thigh), and Dwight McNeil (knee).

Everton coach Moyes should fight the urge to line up with a five-person defensive wall by sticking with his formation rather than twisting it. However, he should consider substituting Ndiaye for Harrison in the final third.

Our Predictions

Full-time draw @ 3.55 on Sky247.ng

Although Everton isn't exactly known for their goal-scoring prowess, they'll see a chance to test Arsenal's injured defense, which is guaranteed to be vulnerable.

The away team may be satisfied with a draw since Arteta's players are obviously focused on Real Madrid as well. Preventing any more injuries before their match against the European champions is of utmost significance.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.