Arsenal picked up a hard-fought win over Olympiacos in the Europa League on Thursday and next up, they have an all-important Premier League clash against Everton on Sunday.
The Gunners picked up their first league win in some time last weekend when they blew away Newcastle United at home but picking up all three points against Everton will not be an easy task.
Arsenal are undefeated in their last 22 home matches against Everton in all competitions but this Carlo Ancelotti led side has been on the rise during the past couple of weeks and right now they are undefeated in their previous five league games – having won three of those.
Right now, Arsenal are two points behind Everton on the points table meaning if the North London side were to beat the Toffees then they could climb up to as high as eight on the table.
Arsenal news vs Everton:
David Luiz and Mustafi played in central defence in Europe while Sokratis was deployed at right-back. But now that Hector Bellerin will return to the starting line-up, Sokratis should drop back to the bench on Sunday.
January signing Pablo Mari is also in line to get his first start for the club but as per the latest updates, the player will have to go through a late fitness.
Despite a tussle with the manager, Matteo Gunedouzi found a place in midfield against Olympiacos on Thursday but the Frenchman will most certainly drop to the bench in order to make way for Dani Ceballos.
While Lucas Torreira also has an equal chance of starting alongside Granit Xhaka but the player is currently ill and it remains to be seen if he can be fully fit before Sunday’s game.
Mesut Ozil was rested by the Arsenal manager in midweek but the German will return back to the first XI replacing young Joe Willock in the attacking midfielder’s role.
Nicolas Pepe came off the bench on Thursday but like Ozil, he too will return back to the starting line-up meaning Aubameyang will move to the left flank – his more favoured position.
Teenager Gabriel Martinelli should drop back to the bench while Thursday’s scorer Alexandre Lacazette will play upfront when Arsenal welcome Everton on Sunday.
Arsenal’s predicted line-up vs Everton:
Starting line-up:Â Bernd Leno; Mustafi, David Luiz, Kolasinac, Bellerin; Ceballos/Torriera, Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe.
Injury updates via Premier Injuries.
