Premier League: Gunners Take Aim at the Struggling Toffees

Everton vs Arsenal

For the third straight year, Arsenal’s second-place finish seems inevitable since they’re trailing a mile behind Liverpool in the Premier League standings. Despite going undefeated in their last four matches, the Gunners are 12 points behind the Reds with only eight matchdays left.

Mikel Arteta’s men are coming off a 2-1 win against Fulham yesterday. They only have roughly 72 hours to prepare against Everton, whom they’ll meet at Goodison Park this Saturday evening.

David Moyes’ side is fresh from a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield last night. It was their first league defeat since mid-February. As a result, the Toffees dropped to 15th in the table with 34 points, level with 14th-seeded Tottenham and 16th-seeded West Ham United.

​The pre-game SBOTOP betting odds expect the Gunners to have their way against the Toffees, but the latter has shown in the reverse fixture they can keep up. 

 

Talking Points

Everton might maintain conservative approach

After losing 2-0 to Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round, Everton have only lost twice but drawn five in their last seven league games. Because they’re not in their best form, the Toffees were expected to roll over against the mighty Reds, but it didn’t happen.

Everton frustrated Liverpool with their low block, as they were willing to let the Reds control possession. David Moyes’ side played on the back foot, waiting for any counterattack opportunity to materialise. 

After nearly an hour of action, Liverpool finally broke the deadlock, as Diogo Jota scored the marginal goal in the 57^th minute. The Portuguese forward latched onto a clever backheel from Luis Diaz before driving past Everton defenders and shooting past Jordan Pickford.

​There was a controversial moment before Jota’s goal, as James Tarkowski escaped a red card for his sliding challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. Fortunately for the Toffees, it was only a yellow, so the 32-year-old centre-back will not miss the game against Arsenal.

 

Defensive worries for Arsenal

Two of Arsenal’s best defenders had to leave the game against Fulham due to injury concerns. Jakub Kiwior replaced Gabriel Magalhaes in the 16th minute, and Leandro Trossard subbed in for Jurrien Timber in the 77th minute.

Gabriel reportedly sustained a hamstring injury, so his availability against Everton and the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid is in question. The same can be said for Timber, who has a nagging knee injury. 

Timber received treatment in the first half after his challenge on Raul Jimenez, but he continued to play. However, the scenes from last night’s match won’t dissuade fans’ anxiety heading into their next games.

If Gabriel and Timber won’t play against Everton, expect Mikel Arteta to name Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko as their replacements. Ben White is also an option, but his availability is also up in the air after missing the squad against Fulham.

 

History

Everton held Arsenal to a goalless draw in their previous league meeting at the Emirates Stadium last December. The Gunners had 76-per cent possession and 13 shots but couldn’t find a breakthrough against the Toffees’ compact low block. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was named Man of the Match for his solid shift between the sticks.

After winning four of their five league games against Arsenal between December 2020 and February 2023, Everton are now winless in their last four against Arsenal (D1, L3).

Arsenal haven’t kept a clean sheet in both meetings with Everton in a season since 2011-12. Meanwhile, they haven’t failed to find the back of the net against the Toffees in two consecutive league matches since 1912-13.

Everton have lost just two of their last 13 Premier League matches at Goodison Park (W4, D7), drawing each of their last three.

 

Betting Tip

As mentioned, the Premier League 2025 odds expect a lopsided contest between Everton and Arsenal. The Gunners are 1.70 favourites to win, while the Toffees are 4.80 underdogs, and a draw is at 3.29 in the 1X2 market. Everton held Arsenal in their first league meeting this season, but that’s unlikely to happen again this weekend, though Liverpool will be rooting for the Toffees this time. 

Mikel Arteta’s side should generate new Premier League 2025 highlights in this contest. So, besides our recommended bet, bettors can also go for Over 2.00 at 1.78, Over 2.25 at 2.08, Over 2.50 at 2.35, and Total Goals 2-3 at 1.99 as alternatives. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 0-0 – the result of the reverse fixture – is priced at 7.40.

   

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