Everton host Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime in what will be the final time the two sides meet at Goodison Park.
In midweek the Toffees narrowly lost the Merseyside derby to fierce rivals Liverpool. Diogo Jota scored the decisive goal at Anfield to end Everton’s six-game unbeaten streak.
Everyone got through the game unscathed with key forward Iliman Ndiaye appearing off the bench. The 25-year-old had been sidelined for action for six weeks by a knee injury in the reverse fixture against the league leaders.
David Moyes delivered more positive news in his pre-match press conference with Dwight McNeil possibly featuring in the squad. The English winger is yet to appear under the new manager due to a long-term knee injury he sustained in December.
Arsenal have the opportunity to reduce the gap between them and Liverpool to nine points this afternoon. However, the Gunners suffered a massive blow on Tuesday night as Gabriel was forced off with a hamstring injury.
Further examination confirmed the club’s initial fears and the defender’s season is likely to be over due to the issue requiring surgery. Alongside Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Brazilian’s focus will now be on returning for pre-season.
Jakub Kiwior will deputise for Gabriel, but Mikel Arteta may opt to rotate elsewhere with their Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid just three days away.
Jurrien Timber and Ben White could also be seen as potential replacements for the centre-back, although they themselves have fitness issues to contend with. The pair will be assessed to determine their availability for the trip to Merseyside.
Everton vs Arsenal – Match preview and team news
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Everton: DDDDL
Everton lost away from home for the first time in David Moyes’ second spell on Wednesday night.
The Toffees have a disappointing record at Anfield which was further extended by the narrow defeat to Liverpool. It put a stop to a run of four consecutive draws in the league with Moyes making the blue half of Merseyside difficult to conquer.
Their recent success has steered them comfortably clear of the threat of relegation. They are 14 points above the drop zone with eight games remaining.
Survival was crucial for Everton as they move into their new state-of the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Docks next season.
Read – Everton condemn online threats aimed at James Tarkowski
Arsenal: WDDWW
Arsenal overcame London rivals Fulham during midweek with a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
More importantly for the Gunners, Bukayo Saka made an instant impact upon his return to action. The Hale End academy graduate netted Arsenal’s second with a close-range header.
Today’s match against Everton is more of an unwelcome distraction to the mammoth tie ahead of them next Tuesday.
Arsenal host Champions League holders Real Madrid in the first leg of their European quarter-final. During Mikel ...
