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Everton are set to face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium
Dan Godfrey
Sat 14 December 2024 11:40, UK
Everton will be on red alert at Emirates Stadium on Saturday following comments made by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard’s return from injury in recent weeks has coincided with a blistering run of form for the Gunners, as they look to keep chase with Liverpool towards the top of the Premier League table, although they are still missing some of their key players.
The Arsenal skipper has spoken in the build-up as they prepare to host Sean Dyche’s men on 14 December, telling his club’s official website [14 December] that his previous good record against Everton stands him in good stead.
Odegaard said: “I’ve got some good memories of playing against Everton – I’ve scored a few times against them since I’ve been in England, and got a couple of assists too, so I’d love to continue that run today.”
Martin Odegaard the driving force for Arsenal v Everton
Of course, the first name considered when preparing to take on Arsenal is Bukayo Saka, who has been a stunning player for a number of years now.
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However, Odegaard’s footballing intelligence, leadership on the field and the way he instructs his team’s press – essentially Mikel Arteta’s voice on the pitch – has been integral to maintaining his side’s previous two title challenges.
The Norwegian international has three goals and two assists to his name in six previous meetings with the Toffees in an Arsenal shirt.
And Dyche’s men will have their work cut out attempting to stop Odegaard pulling the strings, with much of his best football being played on the Emirates’ carpet-like surface.
everton sean dyche
Everton boss Sean Dyche [Credit: Imago].
Everton are likely to deploy several deep-lying central midfielders in a bid to be tough to break down, a system the likes of Odegaard are used to facing as they look to thread out the avenues to bear down on Jordan Pickford’s goal.
The club are now buoyed by the news that the takeover by The Friedkin Group is very close, having been approved by the Premier League, and the travelling away support will be hoping it puts a spring in the step of their men in blue on Saturday.
In other Everton news, Henry Winter reveals a potential surprise next manager on Merseyside.
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