Everton vs. Arsenal: 5 Matchups the Gunners Must Win

Arsenal travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday to face an Everton side no doubt still smarting from their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.

This is a critical match for the Gunners who must start to put some real space between themselves and Chelsea in the race for Champions League football next season.

Arsenal have a good record in this fixture under Arsene Wenger, but Everton are no soft touch. The battle for midfield supremacy between Alex Song, Mike Arteta, Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar, will be crucial to determining the winner.

Classy forward Robin van Persie faces his own struggle against savvy central defensive partnership Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka. Here are the five most important matchups the Gunners must win to triumph at Goodison.

Theo Walcott vs. Leighton Baines

Theo Walcott will be anxious to continue his revival in form against one of the more accomplished full-backs in the Premier League, Leighton Baines.

Walcott delivered his most complete performance of the season against Newcastle United last Monday. The England speedster dominated the match with a confident and direct display.

It served as a reminder that debates about Walcott's talent and best position no loner apply. When the mood strikes, the young wide forward is as dangerous as anyone.

However, Walcott might be hard-pressed to terrorise Baines in the same way. The 27-year-old is one of the smartest defenders in England's top flight.

Baines will likely need to use all pf his experience and guile to nullify the the threat posed by Walcott. Expect the ex-Wigan Athletic star to stand off Walcott and try to force him to weave around the Everton back line, rather than sprint straight at it.

Kieran Gibbs vs. Seamus Coleman

Kieran Gibbs will need to improve on his performances in recent weeks, as he takes on pacy and tricky Irishman Seamus Coleman.

Gibbs has been suspect defensively in his last two matches and opposing teams are beginning to take notice. Both AC Milan and Newcastle targeted the young left-back at various times and enjoyed success.

Gibbs needs to become more aware and disciplined in defensive areas. He drifts out of position too often and can be too quick to go for the ball, instead of first marshaling his man.

He won't be able to afford those kind of mistakes from Coleman, whose delivery from wide areas is likely to be key to Everton's attack.

Alex Song vs. Steven Pienaar

Steven Pienaar will be responsible for adding creativity to Everton's attacking play, so Alex Song must work hard to limit his influence.

Pienaar has been impressive since his return to Everton. The 30-year-old South African schemer is a quick and skillful player capable of producing some deft touches and clever flicks.

Song must strive to ensure Pienaar does not enjoy too much time on the ball. He must track the runs of the Everton playmaker and press him at close quarters.

Mikel Arteta vs. Marouane Fellaini

If he is going to dictate Arsenal's passing with his usual brand of efficient authority, Mikel Arteta will have to overcome the robust attentions of Marouane Fellaini.

The Toffees enforcer is an aggressive and tenacious midfield presence. He will look to harass and out-muscle Arsenal's technically-minded ball players.

Fellaini is not a strict defensive midfielder, but more an active destroyer, who will try and break up the flow of Arsenal's possession play all over the field. Moving the ball quickly is the Gunners best method of countering Fellaini.

Arteta is composed and decisive on the ball. He rarely wastes a pass and his movement out of possession is excellent.

He will need to distribute the ball accurately and quickly move into to position to receive the next pass and keep moves flowing.

Robin Van Persie vs. Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka

Robin van Persie has hit some spectacular goals against Everton in his Arsenal career. The prolific Dutchman will again pit his flair and wits against smart defenders Jagielka and Distin.

The duo form a solid and technically sound partnership. Distin's rugged strength and deceptive quickness combines well with Jagielka's clever positional sense and keen instincts.

Van Persie's best bet will be to match perseverance with deft and intelligent movement. It was this same combination which led to his wonder strike at the Emirates Stadium against Everton back in December, 2011.

Fending off Chelsea and Maintaining 4th Spot Remains the Priority

Arsenal may have closed the gap on Tottenham Hotspur to a single point, but tightening their grip on fourth place should remain the priority, anything else is a bonus.

That means escaping the attentions of Chelsea and opening up a lead over Roberto Di Matteo's team. A win at Everton will send a clear signal that Arsenal are the strongest contender in the fight for fourth.

Wenger has an outstanding record against the Toffees and will be looking to replicate some of his biggest victories at Goodison Park.

With Chelsea travelling to title-chasing Manchester City on the same night, Arsenal have a great opportunity to create a clear advantage.