Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta makes an emotional return to his former club this Saturday, as his league-leading side travel to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The crucial Premier League fixture, kicking off at 8pm and broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, sees the Gunners desperate for points to maintain their title challenge amid a packed festive schedule.
Arteta's Homecoming Under the Lights
Mikel Arteta spent six years as an Everton player under then-manager David Moyes, before sealing a £10 million move to Arsenal in 2011. His return comes at a pivotal moment. By the time this Saturday evening match begins, Manchester City could have leapfrogged Arsenal at the summit if they defeat West Ham earlier in the day.
Arsenal's form has been inconsistent, with just three victories in their last six league outings. Those wins came against Tottenham, Brentford, and Wolves, but damaging draws with Sunderland and Chelsea, coupled with a 2-1 away defeat to Aston Villa, have highlighted vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, major betting sites still install them as favourites for the title, despite Manchester City's odds shortening to 17/10.
Team News and Tactical Battleground
Both squads are grappling with significant absences. Everton are without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, who are at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Seamus Coleman, and Merlin Rohl are also sidelined. Jack Grealish is expected to feature despite recent hamstring trouble.
For Arsenal, the injury list is lengthy. Ben White joins Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Cristian Mosquera, and Max Dowman on the treatment table after suffering a hamstring injury. There is hope that Martin Zubimendi will be involved after missing training, and Riccardo Calafiori is available again following a one-match suspension.
Predicted Lineups and Key Battles
The teams are likely to shape up as follows. Everton: Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Dibling, Alcaraz, Grealish; Barry. Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Gyokeres.
Everton's recent form has been solid, with four wins from their last six matches against Fulham, Manchester United, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest. However, a heavy 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle, inspired by a Malick Thiaw brace, and a 3-0 loss to Tottenham in October serve as warnings.
Betting Preview and Value Picks
Despite finishing 26 points and 11 places above Everton last season, Arsenal failed to beat them in either league encounter, drawing 0-0 at home and 1-1 at Goodison Park. Everton are winless in their last five Premier League meetings with the Gunners, but they did win four of the five preceding that run.
Our first recommended betting tip is Both Teams to Score at 11/10 with Ladbrokes. This is supported by Arsenal's defensive frailty on the road—they have conceded first in five of their last seven Premier League away games, including each of the last three. Yet, they possess immense attacking threat, having scored in 10 consecutive away matches in all competitions since a goalless draw at Liverpool in August.
The standout goalscoring bet is Leandro Trossard to score at any time at 13/5 with BetMGM. The Belgian forward has a superb record against Everton, scoring both of Arsenal's away goals at their ground in the last two seasons. His overall form is excellent, with involvement in nine goals (six goals, three assists) in his last nine away league appearances, and three goals in his last five outings for the club this season.
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