Everton v Arsenal Preview

Everton arsenal

Two teams with European ambitions, but only Everton is in one of the spots currently. Arsenal was held to a goal-less draw against Aston Villa while Everton suffered a disappointing last game equaliser against Norwich in their last game. Both veteran managers will be eyeing all three points tonight.

Everton seems to have lapsed back into their customary inconsistent early season form, first losing to Reading then a draw with Norwich. What is different is that they are missing their usual resolute defence. Moyes has committed more men forward, leaving only two central defenders at the back as cover. Thus they will be very susceptible to counter attacks. I suggest that Moyes go slightly more cautious against Arsenal, letting the full backs attack alternately. With 7 men in the attack, there is enough firepower and as Everton does not switch flanks much, having the other full back advance does not help much. Of course, there is the danger of over reliance on the left flank and Baines. That should not be considered that bad a matter though, as Baines has shown that he can change a game on his own, with his two individual runs last Saturday nearly bringing about goals. What Everton should be more worried about is the form of Pienaar. Pienaar seems to be trying too hard to do the spectacular when an easier good pass is there and seems frustrated easily. I reckon he will need a game off to rediscover his form and this might be possible if Mirallas returns from injury in time.

Arsene Wenger is likely to bring in his main players after wrongly opting to rest them against Aston Villa. It will be wise to bring back Walcott and his pace into the team, making use of the previously mentioned weakness of Everton. Walcott might be deployed on the left instead of the right though, to avoid facing the surprising aging but pacy Distin. Arsene Wenger's selections to guard against Everton's attack will be more interesting. It is unlikely that Wilshere and Arteta will be able to deal with the threat of the returning Fellaini effectively and it is in these games that they will regret letting Alex Song go. With Diaby out injured, their best bet will be to deploy Vermaelen there. Another positive from this placement of Vermaelen is that as a central defender, he tends to move towards the opponent to apply pressure and Jelavic will take advantage of that to get behind the defence. Koscielny will be a better bet for the slot beside Mertesacker as he is a more patient defender and thus will be able to play the offside trap better.

Predictions:

I am not entirely convinced by Arsenal so I think that the bet for Everton win or draw at 1-1.40 seems a safe bet. However, more value can be found in Giroud being the last scorer at 7.50. With Baines in red hot form, I am also willing to take him to score anytime at 5.00.