Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday evening when they welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to bounce back after a frustrating midweek outing in the Champions League, where they had to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Bayer Leverkusen.
Recent league victories over Chelsea and Brighton have allowed the Gunners to open up a seven-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, although the reigning champions still have a game in hand.
Arteta’s side have made a habit of grinding out results in recent weeks, with narrow wins becoming a recurring theme during their push for silverware both domestically and in Europe.
Everton, meanwhile, arrive in London with growing confidence under the guidance of David Moyes. The Toffees strengthened their push for a potential European place with a comfortable 2-0 win over Burnley last time out.
Everton have also impressed away from home this season. Of the 43 points they have accumulated in the league, 24 have been earned on the road, giving them one of the strongest away records in the division.
Team news for Arsenal v Everton
Arsenal could welcome several players back into contention after minor injury concerns earlier in the week.
Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori both returned to the bench in the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, but Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard were absent and remain doubts for the weekend.
Mikel Merino is the only confirmed absentee at this stage as he continues to recover from a foot injury.
Noni Madueke impressed after coming off the bench in midweek and could push for a starting role, although Bukayo Saka may be preferred from the outset due to his effectiveness from set-piece situations.
Everton should arrive with a relatively healthy squad after benefiting from a longer break following their early exit from the FA Cup.
Jack Grealish and Carlos Alcaraz are both expected to miss out through injury, while Seamus Coleman could return after dealing with a minor knock.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Everton
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Havertz
Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry
Where to watch Arsenal v Everton: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event.
Fans can also watch the game through Sky Go or stream it via NOW TV with a valid subscription.
Kick-off at the Emirates Stadium is scheduled for 5:30pm GMT on Saturday.
The stats for Arsenal v Everton
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches against Everton
- The Gunners have won their last five league games at the Emirates Stadium
- Everton have collected 24 of their 43 Premier League points away from home this season
- Arsenal have scored 24 goals from set-piece situations in the Premier League this term
- Everton have conceded the fewest goals from set-pieces in the division this season
Prediction for Arsenal v Everton
Everton’s defensive record suggests they are capable of frustrating Arsenal, particularly given the Gunners’ reliance on dead-ball opportunities this season. However, Arteta’s side have repeatedly shown their ability to edge tight matches at the Emirates, and they may find just enough quality to secure another narrow win.
