Everton v. Arsenal Preview

Everton

Last season's FA Cup runners-up Everton will look to continue their good form from last season which saw them finish in 5th place in the Premier League, as they take on Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday night.

The Toffees didn't have the most convincing pre-season, winning two, drawing one and losing three in the last two months.

Manager David Moyes has re-signed Brazilian striker Jo on a season-long loan from Manchester City, after the 22-year-old scored five times in twelve appearances for Everton last season.

The Brazilian suffered an ankle injury in the pre-season friendlies but has been recovering well and may feature for Everton in this match. Other than this, the Toffees will be without Yakubu, Victor Anichebe, Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta, and possibly Marouane Fellaini.

Arsenal

Arsenal come into the new season having failed to lift a major trophy since 2005, finishing fourth last season in the Premier League, as well as ending both their Champions League and FA Cup campaigns in the semi-finals.

The Gunners had a relatively successful preseason, winning five, drawing one and losing one.

Manager Arsene Wenger's only signing of the season so far has been 23-year-old Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax. Both Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure were sold to Manchester City in July.

Arsenal will be missing Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri, and Lukasz Fabianski due to injury.

Prediction

Last season's Everton vs Arsenal fixture resulted in a 1-1 draw whilst the reverse fixture saw the Gunners victorious with a 3-1 margin.

Both teams have high expectations this season, with Everton looking to match their form last season by challenging for a Champions League spot with a strong table finish, as well as performing well in the FA Cup. This will be in addition to their place in the Europa League, where the Toffees will be looking to shine.

Arsenal will perhaps be under greater pressure to gain silverware this season, and with Manchester City looking to break into the top four with their huge spending this transfer window, the Gunners will have to be at their best to contend with the both the best of both England and Europe.

This looks to be an exciting and closely fought opening day match, and both teams will be eager to prove that they have what it takes to triumph this season.

Everton vs Arsenal Prediction: Everton 1 - Arsenal 2

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Plus read our previews for the Manchester United vs Birmingham and Tottenham vs Liverpool too.