Everton vs Arsenal preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

With just a handful of points separating the sides from their respective targets, this clash carries significance at both ends of the table.

Everton’s recent momentum was slowed last weekend by a 2-0 defeat away at Chelsea, only their second league loss in seven matches. 

Despite that setback, David Moyes’s side remain well placed, sitting ninth and just two points adrift of the top six as the round begins.

A home victory would guarantee the Toffees a top-half position on Christmas Day for the first time since the 2020-21 season, underlining the progress made this campaign. 

However, results against elite opposition have been less encouraging. Everton have lost all five of their league matches this season against teams currently competing in the Champions League, a trend they must overturn to take maximum points here.

Arsenal, by contrast, continue to set the pace at the summit despite an unconvincing recent run. 

Their dramatic 2-1 win over Wolves in the previous round required a stoppage-time goal, highlighting both their resilience and their struggles to dominate matches as they did earlier in the season.

That result was only the Gunners’ third league victory in six outings (D2, L1), yet they still hold a narrow two-point lead at the top. 

A win on Merseyside would see Mikel Arteta’s side lead the Premier League at Christmas for the third time in four seasons – a feat they had managed only twice across the league’s first three decades.

To make that happen, Arsenal must improve on the road, having failed to win any of their last three away league fixtures (D2, L1).

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Everton have found Arsenal a difficult opponent in recent years, failing to win any of the last five Premier League meetings (D2, L3).

Only Manchester United have beaten the Toffees more times in the competition than the Gunners.

Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye are unavailable for Everton after departing to represent Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is rated doubtful.

Defensive absences continue with Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman both sidelined by hamstring injuries, while Merlin Rohl is also out due to a groin issue.

Arsenal’s Ben White is the latest injury concern after limping off against Wolves, while Kai Havertz has suffered a setback and will not return until January.

Gabriel and Christian Mosquera also remain unavailable.

For the visitors, Leandro Trossard has been particularly effective away from home, contributing to nine goals across his last nine Premier League away appearances (G6, A3).

Everton: Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Dibling, Alcaraz, Grealish; Barry

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

Everton’s intensity at Goodison Park makes this a potentially awkward test, but Arsenal’s greater depth and ability to grind out results could prove decisive. 

If the visitors manage the occasion and tighten up defensively, they should have enough to edge past a depleted Toffees side.

Correct score prediction: Everton 1-2 Arsenal

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Betting tips:

Arsenal to win

Arsenal to score over 1.5 goals

Over 7.5 corners