Arsenal outgunned and stuck in thick treacle

Ninth host eighth in Thursday night's Premier League clash between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates. Three points separate the two sides, with the visitors having the additional advantage of a game in hand on their would-be pursuers. Neither club are in good form at present; the Toffees are winless in six and ought to have beaten Tottenham Hotspur last week, whilst the Gunners put in a truly insipid performance at home to Fulham, where only a 97th minute equaliser stopped from slipping to a deserved defeat. Mikel Arteta's men look to have all their European qualification hopes pinned on winning the Europa League, as they've been found badly wanting domestically. Read our preview here:

Barely Holding his own

There have been relatively few instances this season in which the north London outfit have managed to strike the right balance between defensive solidity and a true freedom to attack, which has resulted in a very stop-start 2020/2021 just as replete with matches and moments to forget as the opposite, if not moreso. It's true to say that the backline has never truly been settled, and injuries and bouts of poor form have necessitated switches between a three and a four, with the central components often swapping. Rob Holding has managed to feature in 23 of their 32 league contests at the time of writing, but it's difficult to pinpoint any particular strengths he has as a stopper, being neither aerially dominant, nor aggressive enough to make timely interceptions and recycle possession. He's just there, treading water like a number of other senior squad members, whilst the onus is firmly on bringing through talent like Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah, the poacher of that last gasp equaliser. As ever, the emphasis should be on maximising Thomas Partey's time on the ball; without his influence, the attacking quarter will be cut off completely.

Collegiate Digne

Naturally, the blue half of Liverpool have extremely fond memories of previous left-back Leighton Baines, who was a stalwart of the club, remaining a big cog for 14 years. French international Lucas Digne was prepped as his eventual replacement, signing in 2018. He experienced a rough start to his life at Goodison Park, but has since assumed a similar mantle on and off the field for the Toffees, becoming a fan favourite in the process and one of the most reliable, consistent full-backs in the top tier, combining an excellent air game with productivity at the other end, creating six goals directly this year. Though five members remain doubtful for Thursday, he'll still have the likes of Richarlison and James Rodríguez to aim his accurate crosses for.

Moral high ground

Digne was also prominent on social media this week with his firm opposition to the proposed European Super League, of which Arsenal were initially signed up for. Though all of the English participants have now announced their withdrawal, the ramifications are still to be truly felt, with a number of options available to the league and even legislation. Arsenal's board have driven a far bigger wedge between them and their myriad supporters in the process, and whilst it's difficult to suggest with certainty that the players, the other pawns in the whole saga, will be tangibly affected, they have been collectively poor for sometime. Everton's luck will change, and betway have odds of 4.00 to put more pressure on the teams directly above them in the scramble for a European spot.

Bet Everton on Betway