Arsenal vs. Everton: 5 Battles the Gunners Must Win

Arsenal entertain Everton on Saturday in a frequently tricky fixture. Arsene Wenger has always enjoyed tremendous success at Goodison Park.

But Everton always manage to make things more difficult for the Gunners in North London. David Moyes' team may have lost a lot of stars in recent seasons, but the current squad still possesses plenty of quality.

Arsenal will be anxious to continue their current fine league form and elevate themselves back into the top four.

Here are five individual battles which the Gunners must win if they are going to overcome a resolute Everton side.

5. Theo Walcott vs. Leighton Baines

Theo Walcott will need to be at his best to get the better of dependable left-back Leighton Baines. The Everton veteran is one of the finest full-backs in the Premier League.

Equally solid in defense and attack, Baines is a savvy player with excellent positional sense. Walcott will need to vary his points of attack.

The Arsenal speedster should mix his runs inside and outside Baines and keep the experienced defender guessing.

Walcott has been in stellar form in recent weeks and Arsenal need him to continuing supplying quality service for Robin van Persie.

4. Robin Van Persie vs. Phil Jagielka

The Premier League's best striker faces a tough challenge, going up against experienced defensive duo Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin.

Jagielka in particular, has been in superb form for most of the season. An extremely intelligent central defender, Jagielka's anticipation and instincts are of the highest quality.

Van Persie will need to utilize his smart and fluid movement to try and escape Jagielka's attentions and stay one step ahead of the England international.

3. Thomas Vermaelen vs. Tim Cahill

As is often his habit against the bigger teams, David Moyes may choose to rely on Tim Cahill to carry the fight to Arsenal in the forward areas. Cahill relies on sharp movement and an abundance of aggression to pose a dangerous threat inside the box.

If there is one Arsenal defender capable of matching Cahill for tenacity, it is Belgian stopper Thomas Vermaelen.

The Gunners will need Vermaelen to play his usual ferocious and robust style. He is confident and decisive in the challenge and quick enough to track the runs of Cahill.

2. Ignasi Miquel vs. Seamus Coleman

Arsenal's success in subduing tricky right-sided wide player Seamus Coleman, could well determine the outcome of the game.

Given the Gunners injury problems at left-back, Everton may look to release flying winger Coleman as often as possible.

If young Spaniard Ignasi Miquel is again given the nod to deputise as a makeshift left-back, he will need to stay disciplined and fully focused up against Coleman.

Miquel was one of Arsenal's better players in the drab, mid-week defeat away to Olympiacos. He was composed and determined.

Comfortable on the ball and strong in the challenge, Miquel could have a big future with Arsenal. But his pace, timing and anticipation are in for a stern examination against the Toffees.

1. Mikel Arteta vs. Jack Rodwell

Former Everton star Mikel Arteta must keep a watchful eye on dynamic youngster Jack Rodwell. Arteta will have to work hard to identify and track Rodwell's runs.

Rodwell provides a legitimate threat going forward and Arteta's awareness and discipline will be the keys to nullifying the Everton prodigy's goalscoring potential.

Arteta's calmness and efficiency in possession can help keep the ball away from Rodwell. The Spanish schemer has the intelligence and technique to bypass Rodwell and dictate the Gunners passing game.

The Gunners Need To Hold Their Nerves in What Promises to Be a Close Fought Game

Arsenal have enjoyed some famous blowout wins away at Everton, but the Merseyside outfit always keeps things close at the Emirates. It took two late goals from Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny to win the corresponding fixture last season.

Everton are underrated opposition. Their league position often belies their true quality. Arsenal will need to be on top form to avoid another costly home slip up.

After edging in front of both Liverpool and Newcastle United last week, the Gunners must ensure they remain ahead of the chasing pack in the race for the top four.

With fourth place Chelsea going up against league leaders Manchester City, three points against the Toffees is an absolute must.