Arsenal Face Gritty Everton Test Amid Injury Crisis and European Focus

In a Premier League season where every point carries the weight of a title race or relegation scrap, Everton vs Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday could prove more significant than it appears on paper.

For Arsenal, the equation is becoming painfully clear: keep winning and hope Liverpool falter. The Gunners are navigating the sharp end of the season with Champions League ambitions pulling focus, yet the Premier League grind offers no respite. Their 12.30pm BST kick-off on April 5 comes just days before a daunting European tie against Real Madrid, raising questions about Mikel Arteta’s team selection and priorities.

Arsenal’s Defensive Worries Mount

Injuries are beginning to gnaw at Arsenal’s momentum. Gabriel and Jurrien Timber both exited the midweek clash against Fulham with knocks. Ben White, a mainstay in Arteta’s defensive line, suffered a setback in training. As if that weren’t enough, Riccardo Calafiori — a promising addition — has been ruled out for weeks after picking up an injury while on Italy duty.

Bukayo Saka’s return and match-winning goal against Fulham was a timely boost, but even his minutes may be managed with one eye on the Bernabéu next week. “Saka did return in the same game, in some welcome good news, though it remains to be seen just how much Mikel Arteta is willing to risk him ahead of Real Madrid next week.”

Rotation seems inevitable, but that brings its own risks — especially at Goodison, where intensity is rarely lacking, even if consistency has been.

Moyes’ Toffees Hard to Break Down

Everton, now helmed by David Moyes, have become a tougher nut to crack. A nine-game unbeaten run was halted by Liverpool at Anfield, but that shouldn’t overshadow their recent resilience. Goodison Park has regained some of its old bite, with Moyes instilling structure and a siege mentality that fits the Merseyside club’s identity.

Vitalii Mykolenko’s return is a timely reinforcement, though the Toffees are still without key men such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye and Orel Mangala. While the injury list may seem daunting, Everton’s ability to dig in and frustrate opponents at home is well established.

This is not the Everton of the early season. Moyes’ team may not dazzle, but they rarely wilt — particularly against high-flying sides.

Prediction: Steel Meets Style

Arsenal remain the more polished unit, but polish alone ...