Arsenal v Everton: line ups and key battles assessed ahead of the match at the Emirates
Arsenal will be hoping to pull further clear of Champions League qualification rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Everton with victory over the latter at the Emirates. Ahead of the crucial clash, talkSPORT has gathered the latest team news and assessed the match below.
Defence
Per Mertesacker has served his one-match ban and is available again as is Nacho Monreal, who was rested for the 3-1 win against Norwich. For Everton, full-back Leighton Baines has been one of the players of the season, scoring five and creating five, linking with Steven Pienaar superbly down the left flank. Tony Hibbert has been making progress in his return from injury, playing in the Toffees' U21 win against Boro, but he will have a tough time winning his place back from in form Seamus Coleman at right-back. In goal for the Gunners, manager Arsene Wenger says Lukasz Fabianski is a major doubt after suffering a rib injury and the dropped Wojciech Szczesny is line for a recall.
Midfield
Theo Walcott returned to action when he came on against Norwich following a spell on the sidelines, the result of a groin injury, and could start. However, Jack Wilshere may have to settle for a place on the bench after Arsene Wenger claimed he gambled on throwing the 21-year-old in against the Canaries on the weekend, insisting he rushed him back. Wilshere has admitted he isn't sure if he will start against Everton, saying he is fit and raring to go if the manager calls on him, adding that be is also ready to make an impact as a substitute. That Tomas Rosicky seems to be ready to play after recovering from a hamstring injury, may see the Czech Republic ace get the nod ahead of Wilshere.
Attack
Arsenal have kept just three clean sheets in their last 15 Premier League encounters at the Emirates, so Victor Anichebe and Marouane Fellaini will fancy their chances of finding the back of the net, especially given that the Toffees, along with Norwich, have scored the most headers in the league. Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who also poses an aerial threat, has scored 11 Premier League goals this term, 10 of which have come in front of home fans and while Everton are dangerous in the air, the club have also conceded the highest number of headed goals.
Likely line ups:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Arteta, Ramsey; Walcott, Rosicky, Cazorla; Giroud
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines; Mirallas, Osman, Gibson, Pienaar; Fellaini; Anichebe
What are your predictions for the match?