Everton Preview

Following Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss to Olympiakos in the Champions’ League with what amounted to a reserves-plus side, Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways in the league following their 4-0 demolition of Wigan last time out.

You can expect Arsène Wenger to return to the full lineup with the likes of Robin van Persie & Gervinho returning to the frontline along with Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey & Alexandre Song returning to the middle.  You can bet Arteta will be eager to put in a good display against his former side as it will be the first time the Spaniard faces his old club since his August transfer deadline day move.

In the backline, following André Santos’ injury against Olympiakos, Wenger has a decision to make on whom he plays at the fullback spots.  Will he continue with Johann Djourou at right back, who has looked a bit spotty there & is a natural centerback or will he use youngster Carl Jenkinson there?  Does Wenger move Vermaelen to left back or bring in someone like Ignasi Miquel there?  With the injuries, the middle pairing would look to be solidified with Mertesacker & Koscielny set to start in the middle.  Surely, he wouldn’t think of starting Squillaci? (holds breath)

I don’t expect a drubbing of the likes of the 6-1 we had against Everton a few matches ago but we should have enough firepower to overcome Everton in the Emirates.  David Moyes’ Everton sides are usually well organized but they’ve been a little bereft of goals this year.  Although they have teenage Greek striker, Apostolos Vellios, who has been in decent form lately.  However, their strong, aerial midfield tandem of Marouane Fellaini, he of the fantastic afro hairdo, & Tim Cahill haven’t been able to replicate their form of seasons past so far this season.  If Arsenal can play their normal heavy possession based game, it should minimize Everton’s aerial threat.  However, that aerial prowess can still be dangerous on set pieces can be crucial as Arsenal’s recent history of the last few campaigns have shown.

All that aside, Arsenal should win this at home.  I’m going with 3-1 with goals ot be supplied by Gervinho, van Persie & Ramsey.

Come on you Gunners!