Two teams in a state of flux trying to find their perfect steward, face each other amidst the stress galore. Both Arsenal and Everton have recently sacked their permanent manager in a bid to revival.
While Everton have gained confidence under Ferguson after accumulating 4 points in two games, Arsenal have drowned further under Ljungberg. The interim manager has not livened upto the task because of which Arsenal are vying Arteta as an option.
Everton, considering their recent form are a better XI than the Gunners and have a fair chance of winning the game. Anyway, Arsenal can never be discounted as on any given day the team can produce a masterstroke.
When and Where?
Date: Saturday 21st December, 2019
Time: 6:00 pm (IST)
Venue: Goodison Park
Team News
The new formation of 4-4-2 adopted by Duncan Ferguson has brought stability to Everton’s squad and therefore the Toffees would step in with the same formation.
Mason Holgate’s presence has helped Everton overcome their midfield injuries and his defensive abilities are an add on. However, Everton will miss the likes of Andre Gomes, Sigurdsson and Walcott in the field.
Under the interim manager, Martinelli has often started for the Gunners and we can yet again expect the youngster getting the notch over more experienced Lacazette.
Mesut Ozil and Nicolas Pepe should also be handed a start who will be accompanied by Lucas Torreira in the midfield. The major miss for Arsenal will be the absence of Sokratis who will miss the game due to suspension.
Predicted Line-up
Everton Predicted line-up (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Iwobi, Holgate, Davies, Bernard; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Arsenal Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Leno, Maitland-Niles, David Luiz, Chambers, Kolasinac; Guendouzi, Torreira; Pepe, Ozil, Martinelli; Aubameyang
Our Prediction:
Everton vs Arsenal (1-1)
The unhealthy form of Arsenal speaks for itself. The attitude of the squad is not Gunner-esque, the defence has never been worse and the form far beyond believable. All these combined may well turn out to be the reason for Arsenal’s failure.
