Match Preview: Arsenal v. Everton

Faltering Arsenal and Everton will both be looking to prove a point as Premier League action returns.

Both the men from North London and Liverpool have had slower starts to the season than they would have hoped for, and both squads will want to take maximum results from tomorrow's match.

Frustration

Arsenal's four wins in seven games have been marred by surprise losses to Fulham and Hull City, as well as a hard-fought draw against Sunderland that was only salvaged by a last-second header from Francesc Fabregas. 

Tomorrow, Arsene Wenger will hope that his side will come out with an energy that they have frequently lacked after coming back from international breaks the past few seasons.  Wenger has been uncharacteristically frustrated with his squad at times this season, but will no doubt be looking for a win against struggling Everton at the Emirates.

Life will not be made any easier for the Gunners, as the international break has sidelined captain William Gallas, the vital Bakary Sagna, and tenacious forward Nicklas Bendtner. 

Also unavailable is Johann Djourou, while Robin van Persie has been declared fit. Star midfielder Cesc Fabregas suffered a broken nose during Spain's clash against Belgium, but should be available for Wenger. 

Possibly returning to action in a midfield that desperately needs a boost is Abou Diaby, though in-form Aaron Ramsey will also be hoping for a chance to start.

It will be interesting to see who lines up in the back for Arsenal.  Djourou would have been looking for a start, had he been declared fit, but former Manchester United man Mikael Silvestre looks set to make his first team debut at Ashburton Grove. 

Emmanuel Eboue will look to deputise for Bakary Sagna at right back, the position he held before the French international's arrival last summer.

Predicted Starting XI: Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Silvestre, Clichy, Walcott, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, van Persie, Adebayor.

Substandard

Everton will be looking to regain the form they have shown over the past couple seasons.  After finishing fifth last season, the Toffees were looking to challenge the so-called "Big Four" for a place in next season's Champions League. However, they will find it quite difficult to climb the necessary eleven positions in the table to get there.

Everton have yet to lose an away match, and after Arsenal's poor home showing against new boys Hull City, Everton will be looking to take at least one point back home to Goodison Park. Manager David Moyes' squad will be bolstered with the return of Gary Neville, but Tim Cahill will be sitting out due to suspension

Predicted Starting XI: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Fellaini, Saha, Yakubu.

Predicted Score: Arsenal 1 Everton 0