Everton vs Arsenal LIVE
Mikel Arteta is celebrating six years as Arsenal manager this evening as he takes his Gunners up to Merseyside to face Everton. He kicked off his managerial tenure with the club against the very same opponent, watching on from the Goodison Park stands as the Gunners were held to a goalless draw. Just two members of the squad which contested that match remain in his current Arsenal side.
The Spaniard will hope for a more impressive result this evening, too, as he looks to cement Arsenal’s status as Premier League leaders, but Everton will not roll over. The Toffees are, admittedly, somewhat injury-hit ahead of the match, expected to be without the likes of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as they look to get the better of the Gunners for the first time since February 2023.
The same is true of the Gunners, though, who will not be able to call upon any of Ben White, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera or Max Dowman. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Standard Sport prediction
A rare week off could make all the difference for Arsenal as they have looked rather lethargic of late.
Assuming Man City beat West Ham, pressure will increase on the Gunners and we expect them to respond with a win that will see them top the table at Christmas.
Arsenal to win, 2-0.
Everton early team news: Who is away at AFCON?
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who scored the winner against Manchester United recently, limped off after 24 minutes against Chelsea and will not feature against Arsenal.
Jack Grealish, on loan from Man City, felt his hamstring during the loss to Chelsea but is fine and Merlin Rohl is back in training and could be available for selection.
Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye have departed for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty so will be unavailable. Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman are sidelined through injury.
Arsenal early team news: Several absentees
The Gunners are set to be without Ben White, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera and youngster Max Dowman for their first-ever visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Riccardo Calafiori, however, is available again after suspension so could return to the back four. Martin Zubimendi is expected to be fit despite not being spotted in training on Tuesday.
There are a few decisions to make in attack as Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli were below-par against Wolves with Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard pushing to start.
How to watch Everton vs Arsenal
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 7.45pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event ahead of kick-off at 8pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Alternatively, follow along here with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog!
Good evening
Hello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Everton vs Arsenal!
It is a first visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta rings in six years in charge of the side. Can he mark the occasion with three points?
We will find out at 8pm. Stick with us!