Everton have the chance to win yet another three points and make it three wins in a row as Arsenal make the trip to Goodison Park this evening.
This weekend last year, the respective team’s current managers Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta – a former Toffees midfielder – were watching on from the stands in a goalless draw between the two teams. Both managers were duly announced as successors to Marco Silva and Unai Emery respectively.
The Toffees are regaining fine form and sit just five points off top spot in fifth, while Arsenal are languishing in 15th place and are only five points clear of the relegation zone.
In a further boost to Everton’s prospects, a misfiring Arsenal side are coming up against a new-look Toffees team which has kept a clean sheet in both of their previous two wins.
Arsenal have managed to find the back of the net just 11 times this season. Only Burnley, West Brom and Sheffield United have managed fewer goals in the Premier League, with those teams comprising three of the current bottom four in the table.
Everton should be buoyed with confidence, although their squad has been dealt a number of injury blows. Midfield enforcer Allan will certainly miss the game, whilst Richarlison is a minor doubt.
As a consequence, the Read Everton predicted XI is defined by changes forced through injury more than tiredness, although Jordan Pickford could resume his place in goal despite Robin Olsen’s fine performance in midweek.
We anticipate three changes in personnel from the team which started in Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Leicester:
