Everton
The sacking of Frank Lampard at Everton was only surprising in how long it took for the club to make the decision. This highlights the confusion among the board, which has faced criticism from fans and is being held responsible for many of the club’s problems that are putting it on track for the Championship.
Sean Dyche was recently appointed by Everton in the hopes that a fresh perspective can help lift the club out of the relegation zone. Currently, they sit 19th in the Premier League table, two points away from safety as the second half of the season begins. Their home record stands at 2-2-6 at Goodison Park and significant improvement is necessary to avoid being relegated for the first time since the early 1950s, when they spent three seasons in the second tier.
Everton’s recent form has been poor, with no victories in their last 10 games across all competitions, and losses in 8 of those, including the last 4 in a row. The team’s struggles began after a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, with 4 consecutive losses in home Premier League games, where they have conceded at least 2 goals in each defeat.
Ben Godfrey, Andros Townsend, and James Garner are hoping to see action this weekend. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon has been sold and the new manager is expected to make substantial changes to the starting line-up.
Everton Last 5 Results
❌ 21/01/23. 16:00 West Ham United v Everton: 2 – 0 (2 – 0) (0 – 0) Premier League
❌ 14/01/23. 16:00 Everton v Southampton: 1 – 2 (1 – 0) (0 – 2) Premier League
❌ 06/01/23. 21:00 Manchester United v Everton: 3 – 1 (1 – 1) (2 – 0) FA Cup
❌ 03/01/23. 20:45 Everton v Brighton and Hove Albion: 1 – 4 (0 – 1) (1 – 3) Premier League
➖ 31/12/22. 16:00 Manchester City v Everton: 1 – 1 (1 – 0) (0 – 1) Premier League
Arsenal
While the elimination from the FA Cup was a disappointment, it will not determine the outcome of Arsenal’s season, as they are still competing on multiple fronts. February presents an opportunity to challenge their main title rival in the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta is stressing the importance of focusing on each game as it comes, as Arsenal aim to maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Arsenal currently have a five-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League standings and hold a game advantage. With a game ahead of their primary rivals this weekend, their impressive 8-1-1 away record has sustained pressure on those pursuing them. In these matches, they have scored 20 goals and conceded 6.
Before the narrow loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup Fourth Round, Arsenal had gone 7 games undefeated across all competitions, while their Premier League form remains intact. The team has won their last 4 away Premier League games, starting with a 1-1 draw at Southampton, with victories against Chelsea, Brighton, and Tottenham Hotspur included in that run.
Gabriel Jesus is predicted to be out this month but may return in early March. Meanwhile, the availability of Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey is uncertain, which may result in Jorginho making an immediate debut in the starting line-up after joining from rival club Chelsea.
Arsenal Last 5 Results
❌ 27/01/23. 21:00 Manchester City v Arsenal: 1 – 0 (0 – 0) (1 – 0) FA Cup
✅ 22/01/23. 17:30 Arsenal v Manchester United: 3 – 2 (1 – 1) (2 – 1) Premier League
✅ 15/01/23. 17:30 Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal: 0 – 2 (0 – 2) (0 – 0) Premier League
✅ 09/01/23. 21:00 Oxford United v Arsenal: 0 – 3 (0 – 0) (0 – 3) FA Cup
➖ 03/01/23. 20:45 Arsenal v Newcastle United: 0 – 0 (0 – 0) (0 – 0) Premier League
Head to Head Stats
Premier League
22/05/22, 17:00 Arsenal v Everton: 5 – 1 (2 – 1) (3 – 0)
06/12/21, 21:00 Everton v Arsenal: 2 – 1 (0 – 1) (2 – 0)
23/04/21, 21:00 Arsenal v Everton: 0 – 1 (0 – 0) (0 – 1)
19/12/20, 18:30 Everton v Arsenal: 2 – 1 (2 – 1) (0 – 0)
23/02/20, 17:30 Arsenal v Everton: 3 – 2 (2 – 2) (1 – 0)
TWV Sport Team Thoughts
The schedule presents a challenge, with a game against league leaders Arsenal coming before the Merseyside derby, and Dyche has only been in charge for a few days prior to this match. Given these circumstances, it would be a tall order for Everton to take on a red-hot Arsenal team in top form in the Premier League. Although FA Cup exits may have been disappointing, Arsenal have shown the ability to bounce back, with their strongest performances saved for the Premier League and four consecutive away wins in the division, demonstrating their continued momentum.
Sustaining injuries to several central midfielders is a setback, but Arsenal still boast a potent attack that should pose problems for Everton in the early Saturday match.
In the past, Arsenal have experienced difficulties at Goodison Park, but since their last meeting in December 2021, the two clubs have taken vastly divergent paths. Everton have been struggling throughout the season, losing four consecutive home games and conceding goals at a concerning rate.
There is the potential that Sean Dyche will make Everton a more resilient team, but it may not be evident immediately as he has limited time to work with the squad. Balancing offense and defence was a problem for both Frank Lampard and Dyche’s previous team, Burnley. Despite home advantage and the support of the fans, Everton will face a formidable Arsenal team that has proven to handle Premier League matches well. The Gunners have a solid defence on their travels and a potent attack, which should enable them to win the game and meet the set Asian Handicap line.
Match Result Prediction
Arsenal to win.
Score Prediction
Everton 0 – 3 Arsenal
