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Arsenal v Everton

Match Preview

Everton face their sternest test since their meek performance at Manchester City when they make the trip to the Emirates Stadium this weekend to take on fifth-place Arsenal.

Had last Sunday's encounter against Stoke at Goodison gone according to plan, the Blues would be coming into this fixture in eighth place and seven points behind the Gunners; as it is, following the depressing defeat against the Potters, David Moyes's side are closer to the bottom three in terms of points than they top seven.

Given their approach to and performances during their matches against those members of the Premier League's current elite, there's little to inspire confidence in Everton getting a result in North London and spoiling Arsenal's 125th anniversary celebrations.

After a decidedly shaky start to the campaign, Arsene Wenger has settled his team down and, helped in part by the presence of ex-Blue, Mikel Arteta, they're unbeaten in the League for two months. In contrast to Everton, they easily despatched of Stoke on home turf, sprung a surprise on Chelsea with that dramatic 5-3 victory at Stamford Bridge, and demolished Wigan 4-0 last time out.

They faltered however in their last home game against Fulham when they were held to a 1-1 draw and were beaten comprehensively by Olympiakos midweek so there is some vulnerability to exploit if Everton can just get their act together in attack.

And there's the rub for the Blues; Louis Saha may return after missing the Stoke game with a thigh strain — if so, he will replace Apostolos Vellios who has clearly struggled as a lone striker playing without support — but unless clear goalscoring chances are created, it's unlikley to make much difference.

With Jack Rodwell and Leon Osman set to miss out with fresh hamstring injuries, Moyes will have to make more changes in midfield as he seeks to find a combination that will lead to the side being more effective going forward. Royston Drenthe, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, is still doubtful but will undergo a late fitness test and his availability will likely dictate whether Diniyar Bilyaletdinov keeps his place on the left. And Phil Neville could return to the first team alongside Marouane Fellaini in Rodwell's absence.

At the back, not muhc has been said of the fitness of Sylvain Distin but it's assumed he's back in contention for a starting place in central defence, an area of the pitch that will be key for Moyes this weekend given the form of Robin van Persie. If the Blues can keep the Dutch marksman quiet, they stand a chance of getting something from the game... but it's a big if.

Quotes or other material sourced from ToffeeWeb Match Report Page

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