Since the Moyes dynasty started in 2002, the Toffees have not defeated Arsenal in the Premier League either at Highbury or the Emirates. Tonight, the Scotsman and his boys will attempt to end that horrible away record tonight when they face 3rd placed Arsenal. Everton are back in the hunt for the race to be England's representatives in the Champions League next season with a remarkable run of 4 wins from their last 5 League games. Last weekend's 2-0 victory over QPR took their points tally to 55...just three less than Spurs and Chelsea who are 5th and 4th respectively....Although the latter have a game in hand over their fellow champions league chasers. Liverpool can count themselves out of the 'TOP 4' race as they lie 5 points adrift of 6th placed Everton even after playing a game more.
The Evertonians have stepped up their level in recent weeks, taking out the likes of Manchester City and Stoke on their way to getting themselves back in the race for Champions League qualification. Leighton Baines has been the Premiership's best left back this campaign and the blues best player by a stretch. His forays, mazy runs, crosses, and set piece accuracy have been very instrumental to Everton's surge. Nikica Jelavic has been inconsistent this term after a sparkling start to life in Merseyside. The Croat has since returned to his shell. Kevin Mirallas, Victor Anichebe, Leon Osman, Gibson, and co have all come to the fore. It is Moroccan giant, Marouane Fellaini that has carried the goal scoring duties in the League. He is the only blue to reach double figures (11) in League goals scored. Tim Howard has been excellent again this season. The American number one is still one of the best between the sticks. The central defensive partnership of Distin and Jags (Jiagielka) has been sensational most times. The task of keeping out the in-form Arsenal front line will be arduous, but not impossible.
Arsene Wenger's Arsenal traditionally raise their game at this time of the season. When others are jostling for the EPL title, the gunners fight tooth and nail to be among the Champions League flag bearers. Not since 2008 have Arsenal been in any title race. It remains to be seen when they can mount a serious challenge for top honours again. That by the way side, London's most successful football club have won their last five Premier League games and are favourites to make it six on the trot when the toffees come visiting. The Frenchman has a very good record against David Moyes and tonight's challenge shouldn't be too big to negotiate through. The Arsenal have risen to 3rd place in the EPL standings and can go 4 points clear of Chelsea and Spurs with a victory tonight. Jack Wilshere returned to the fold on Saturday to boost the morale of his teammates. Lukas Podolski came on to score a beautiful goal at the weekend and Thomas Vermaelen deputised for the suspended Per Mertesacker v the Canaries and did very well. Theo Walcott also came on and set up Poldy's goal. By and large, the weapons are potent. The Arsenal filled with enough to devour the Evertonians. The stage is set for a pulsating finale.
PROBABLE LINEUPS-
ARSENAL
Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, ARTETA, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott, Gervinho, Giroud
There will be a couple of changes to the Starting line up tonight for sure. Nacho Monreal is set to replace Gibbs at left back....Per Mertesacker is back from a one game ban which means Vermaelen returns to the bench. Wojciech Szczesny will get an unlikely start as the pole, Fabianski is sidelined through injury. Jack can't be risked again, so Czech playmaker, Rosicky will return and hope go continue his good form. Olivier Giroud will lead the line alongside Gervinho and most probably, Walcott.
EVERTON
Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, BAINES, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar, Mirallas, FELLAINI, Anichebe
The Toffees will start with just about the same team that beat QPR on Saturday. The duo of Fellaini-Anichebe will cause a lot of trouble to the Arsenal rearguard. If they are to win for the first time in 17 years, both must fire. The Everton record at Arsenal is shameful...20 games...16 defeats is absolutely rotten.
We await the fireworks.
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
