Predicting The Arsenal Starting XI For Their Match Against Everton

Arsenal returned to winning ways, confidence and form with an impressive, gritty 2-0 win against Wolves mid-week.

The Gunners endured lack of possession and a physical approach from Mick McCarthy's men, but the North London giants were able to contain Wolverhampton and secure all three points, reinstating their presence onto the Premier League table.

However manager Arsene Wenger now turns his attention to a immensely tough encounter with an improving Everton outfit, who despite starting their campaign slowly have begun to find their feet and will undoubtedly challenge Arsenal to the brink.

David Moyes's side will be boosted by the home ground advantage alongside recent good form against the Gunners. Wenger, on the other hand, still boasts a heavy injury list and will be well aware a loss will all but ensure their Premier League title aspirations are all but decimated.

None the less let's predict the starting 11 for the Gunners.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first choice keeper Manuel Almunia has returned to full fitness but is expected to miss the Everton encounter, which ensures deputy Lukasz Fabianski, who has been superb in the Spaniards absence, will continue to defend the goal.

Boom youngster Wojciec Szczensy recently signed a five year contract with Arsenal, securing his future at the Emirates. However, it looms unlikely that any chances will come the Polish shot stoppers way in the coming months. The 20 year old is expected to warm the bench against the Toffees.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen is still struggling with a persistent Achilles injury which has kept the Belgium centre half out since August. Laurent Koscienly is still suspended after receiving a straight red against Newcastle last week, which ensures Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou will once again partner one another at the heart of the defence.

Right back Bacary Sagna played ahead of Emmanuel Eboue mid-week against Wolves, which may see the Ivorian start head of Sagna due to the Frenchman's fatigue. Kieran Gibbs returned to full fitness this week after a niggling knee injury, but is unlikely to start enabling Gael Clichy to sustain his spot at left back.

Midfielders

Captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas is expected to be fully fit after showing signs of fatigue in recent matches. The Spaniard will start as the right attacking midfielder with Alexandre Song the defensive midfielder, as usual.

Jack Wilshere and Denilson will compete for the left midfield role with Wilshere likely to succeed. Abou Diaby has returned somewhat to full fitness after a persistent ankle injury, but has been deemed unfit to start.

Forwards

French playmaker Samir Nasr was forced to the bench against Wolves due an ankle injury, but is expected to return to the starting 11 against Everton. The Frenchman is likely to start on the right wing with Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin on the left. However, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie are both fighting fit and may be utilized on the wing.

Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner will compete for the lone striker role. Chamakh scored to impressive goals midweek and should start ahead of Bendtner.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Wojciech Szczensy will have the backup goalkeeper role with Emmanuel Eboue the backup defender. Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin van Persie the backup attackers.