Everton v Arsenal

After yet another Goodison defeat, Everton have a chance to put it right, with just the small task that is Arsenal in front of them…

The Blues welcome the Gunners to L4 after both clubs were involved in Europa League action on Thursday.

Everton have to take every potential, even tiny, advantage that comes their way, and the fact Arsene Wenger’s side travelled to Serbia to face Red Star Belgrade may help.

However, the Frenchman was able to rest key players en masse and still get a result. A fantastic finish from Everton target Olivier Giroud sealed a 1-0 win for the North Londoners.

Oh how Ronald Koeman could’ve done with that man lining up in the royal blue on Sunday.

Wenger’s troops have got off to an indifferent start to the League campaign…
While still sitting in a comfortable sixth place it’s more of a case of what could’ve been after slipping to what have become ‘typical Arsenal losses’ to Stoke City and Watford.

Who have the Blues got to be wary of?

Alexis Sánchez has proved his worth and showed he’s a true world class talent since leaving Barcelona three years ago.

The Chilean has the ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck and win it out of nothing.

A man who Lyon didn’t seem to miss in the Blues’ EL clash on Thursday was Alexandre Lacazette.

But Lyon’s summer loss is Arsenal’s gain and the Gunners’ record signing has already proved he’s capable of doing exactly what they paid the big bucks for – finding the back of the net.

A more than respectable one in two strike record for the French international should concern the lacklustre Everton defence.

Team news –

The home side got through the 2-1 defeat to Lyon unscathed, meaning Morgan Schneiderlin is available after a scare on Thursday night.

James McCarthy is fit and ready for PL action for the first time this season.

Oumar Niasse is able to participate in this one.

And skipper Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Wayne Rooney will all feature after sitting out in Europe.

Meanwhile, former Everton man Shkodran Mustafi, Danny Welbeck and Calum Chambers are all out for the visitors.

A massively under-pressure Koeman will be desperate to turn the Toffees’ fortunes around. His job depends on it.

Evertonians across the land will be hoping for more of the same from last season’s coming together between the sides at the Grand Old Lady.

It was one of the Dutchman’s best nights in the Goodison hot seat.

Can he repeat it?

Or is this another one of those expected losses eh, Farhad?

Up the Toffees.