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Arsenal vs. Everton: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info
October 24, 2015
After defeating Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Arsenal must now refocus on domestic matters as they host Roberto Martinez's Everton in the Premier League.
There is a significant prize at stake for Arsene Wenger's men: With Manchester City not playing until the following day, Arsenal could go top with a win over the Toffees.
Everton too will be playing with plenty of motivation. In their last game, they were beaten 3-0 at home by Manchester United. They're in the midst of a difficult run of fixtures, but nevertheless their performance in that game was surprisingly poor. Martinez will expect a reaction at the Emirates Stadium.
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 5:30 p.m. BST/12.30 p.m. ET
Location: Emirates Stadium, London
Television coverage: Sky Sports 1/Sky Sports 1 HD (U.K. only); NBC (U.S. only)
Streaming: Sky Go (U.K. only)
Form
Arsenal
W (1-2) vs. Tottenham Hotspur
W (2-5) vs. Leicester City
L (2-3) vs. Olympiakos
W (3-0) vs. Manchester United
W (0-3) vs. Watford
Everton
D (0-0) vs. Swansea
W (1-2) vs. Reading
W (2-3) vs. West Brom
D (1-1) vs. Liverpool
L (0-3) vs. Manchester United
Everton's away form this season has been strong: Since losing away to Aston Villa back in May, they are unbeaten on the road in the Premier League. Key to that has been their improved defensive form: Last season, they kept just two clean sheets away from home all season. In 2015/16, they have already kept three.
However, their record at Arsenal is not good. In fact, Everton have not managed a win in their last 21 visits to Arsenal's stadium. With the Gunners riding high after beating both Manchester United and Bayern Munich in recent weeks, this is sure to be a real test for Martinez's men.
The Managers
Heading into the weekend, Arsene Wenger has urged his team to keep their feet on the ground, even if they end up going top of the table. Perhaps after the elation of defeating Bayern, he is keen to make sure his side remain absolutely focused. Speaking to Arsenal.com, he said:
It’s too early. It’s very early. We lost our first game at home against West Ham. After, we went to Crystal Palace and you think it could be a repetition of last year, where after 10 games we were basically out of the race. At a big club, that is always very difficult to handle. At least we are up there with a good number of points and we have made the ground up. Let’s show that we can be in the fight.
The title is obviously not on Roberto Martinez's agenda, but Everton will still be hopeful of achieving their own ambitions in 2015/16. With Liverpool and Chelsea faltering, they will sense an opportunity to make it into the top four and secure Champions League qualification.
Speaking to Phil Medlicott of the Press Association (h/t the Daily Mail), Martinez underlined the importance of this period in determining Everton's fate:
The start of the season has been as challenging as we expected, but really, really good. I think we have showed signs of a really interesting season ahead. But, now, the start of the season will mean nothing if we don't carry on with some consistency. I do feel this period until the next international break is a very important one for us.
A positive result against Arsenal would be a huge step towards Everton achieving their goals.
Team News
Arsenal
Wenger faces a tricky decision over whether to rotate his squad for Everton's visit. After games against Watford and Bayern in quick succession, his team will be tired. However, Arsenal's next game is a Capital One Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday, which arguably presents a better opportunity to offer some players a rest.
With that in mind, Wenger is likely to stick largely with the team that beat Bayern. One enforced change will be on the right-hand side of midfield: with Aaron Ramsey ruled out with a hamstring problem, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will get a chance to stake his claim for a permanent place on the flank.
Long-term absentees Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck remain sidelined, while David Ospina is also still recovering from a shoulder problem picked up on international duty with Colombia.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Petr Cech; Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal; Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez; Theo Walcott.
Everton
Everton could have the creative pair of Tom Cleverley and Steven Pienaar back in their squad for this game. Both players recently made their comeback from injury by playing for the club's development side, but regardless of whether or not they travel to London, neither is likely to be risked from the start.
Martinez played a strong XI against United and will most likely give those players a shot at redemption against Arsenal.
Predicted Everton XI (4-2-3-1): Tim Howard; Seamus Coleman, John Stones, Phil Jagielka, Brendan Galloway; James McCarthy, Gareth Barry; Aaron Lennon, Ross Barkley, Steven Naismith; Romelu Lukaku
Players to Watch
Arsenal: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
With Aaron Ramsey ruled out until the end of the next international break, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has a chance to get a real run in the side. He was actually named in the starting XI for the opening Premier League game against West Ham but fell out of favour after a defensive error played a key part in the Hammers' 2-0 win.
Now is his chance to win Wenger's faith once again. Up against the inexperienced Brendan Galloway, he ought to be able to make a significant impact in this game.
Everton: Ross Barkley
Two seasons ago, Ross Barkley was absolutely outstanding in this fixture. Arsenal simply couldn't live with his driving runs through the midfield.
Arsene Wenger is a confirmed fan. Speaking to Arsenal.com, he said:
He has massive potential because he has a good combination of technical qualities and physical qualities.
He has the absolute power of the modern player and he’s certainly one of the most promising.
He’s 21 years old and is a regular player in the national team. Such an early run is always a special talent.
Martinez is finally entrusting in Barkley as Everton's key playmaker, and the results have been impressive. Francis Coquelin will have to be at his very best to ensure Barkley doesn't get a foothold in this game.
James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.
James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.