Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates in the two sides’ last game of this Premier League season. Both the clubs have a lot at stake going against each other on the last day. Arsenal recently blew their top-four chances with back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Newcastle. However, only a miracle could land them a Champions League berth on the last day.
Tottenham would have to lose to Norwich, and Arsenal needs to win against Everton for a top-four finish. On the other hand, Everton are ensured their Premier League status after a brilliant comeback win against Crystal Palace in their last game.
Arsenal have experienced a lot of ups and downs in recent games. The Gunners started the month in the fourth place, and are now sitting fifth. The players moreover looked fatigued in the last game as none produced their best. But Arsenal still have hope and will be looking to sign off the season with a win whether or not they make the top four. Further on, the Gunners are guaranteed European football next season, and will also be rooting to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture.
Arsenal Premier League form: W W W L L
Everton have churned out positive results of late to help themselves out of the relegation zone. Furthermore, they secured their stay in the league with a win against Palace. But the Toffees would eye another huge result against Arsenal whom they defeated in December last year at Goodison Park. Frank Lampard will expect something the same from his boys as they look to build on the Palace win. Moreover, with striker duo Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison looking in good form, Everton have every reason to do a league double over Arsenal this season.
Everton Premier League form: W W D L W
Arsenal vs Everton: Team News
The Gunners’ team news
Fortunately, Ben White has returned for Arsenal, and Gabriel looks fit as well despite sustaining a minor knock against Spurs. However, Takehiro Tomiyasu will be a big miss who suffered a hamstring injury against Newcastle. Tomiyasu joins Kieran Tierney on the sidelines who is out for the season. Thomas Partey is unavailable as well whose season is season is over. Rest everybody should be available for the last and crucial game.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
The Toffees’ team news
Lampard will have a headache going into selecting a starting eleven. Salomon Rondon and Jarrad Branthwaite were sent-off in the last game and will miss the trip. Furthermore, defensive trio Yerry Mina (calf), Ben Godfrey (strain), and Nathan Patterson (ligament) are out as well. Midfielders Fabian Delph and Andros Townsend will be another absentee.
Everton’s possible starting line-up:
Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Holgate; Iwobi, Doucoure, Allan, Mykolenko; Gordon, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison
Our Prediction
Arsenal 2-1 Everton
This is surely going to be a fiercely contested game between the two sides. Both Arsenal and Everton have a lot on the line as they will want to win all three points. Arsenal have hugely relied on home advantage this season which has helped as well. Everton should expect a hostile environment and look as if will crumble under the pressure. However, their comeback win against Palace should ring alarms for Arsenal. Moreover, Arsenal will look to exploit Everton’s disciplinary woes where another Toffees’ player could see a red.
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