Everton are nowhere the relegation fight and not close enough to the fight for the top six. They are in the thick of the fight for seventh place and, while that may not be all that glamorous, the difference between finishing seventh and finishing 11th is significant. They will look to get as many points as possible and try to get some encouraging results for next season. Beating Arsenal would fall under one of those encouraging results. A win against the Gunners would be a huge win for Marco Silva’s side.
Arsenal are fighting for the Champions League. They control their own destiny and are done with their matches against the top six. It looks like they really should finish in the top four at this point, but the big possible speed bump could be all their remaining away games. While they have improved, Arsenal have struggled away from home, including losses away to BATE Borisov and Stade Rennes. They need to avoid similar slip-ups to make it into the Champions League.
Team News
Everton have a mostly full squad, only missing Yerry Mina, according to Physioroom.com.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have a few question marks. Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka are all doubts, while Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are all out, according to Physioroom.com. On top of that, Lucas Torreira will miss out through suspension.
Key Players
Everton: Richarlison
Everton’s big summer signing has come through for Everton. The Brazilian has scored 12 goals with six matches still to play. He’s scored in two of his last three appearances and he has the ability to exploit the leaky Arsenal defence and push Everton to victory.
Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette may be the second best striker on his own team, but he is still one of the best in the Premier League. The Frenchman has scored or assisted 20 goals this season, despite only starting 22 matches. He has scored or assisted in each of Arsenal’s last five league matches and he’ll hope to do so again against Everton.
Prediction
Everton don’t have as much talent as Arsenal, but they are good enough to be a real test for Arsenal away from home.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
