Two struggling backlines meet at Goodison

At the time of writing two caretaker managers are set to meet for Saturday’s Premier League early kickoff at Goodison Park between Everton and Arsenal. The hosts are narrow favourites given some decent recent form, beating Chelseaand drawing with Manchester United in their last two, under the temporary leadership of Duncan Ferguson. They also won the last meeting which was at the same venue in April despite a disappointing 2018/19 campaign, Phil Jagielka’s opener settled proceedings that day. This game may be overshadowed by the suggested imminent appointments of Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Artetato the respective vacancies, however in principle it is two strong attacks and two atrocious defences, us neutrals could be in for a treat.

Importance

Arsenal sit four points and six places above the Toffees in tenth and are in danger of failing to compete for European competition if their current shocking run continues. In all competitions the Gunners have won just 12 matches, a 3-1 win over relegation battling West Ham United in their last league away game. The hope taken from that victory was that it could have been the birth of new front three with Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all getting on the scoresheet. However, they failed to score against Manchester City at the weekend, in Pep Guardiola’s men’s only clean sheet in their last 12 outings, Freddie Ljungberg may change a few things leading into this one.

Ones to Watch

The record speaks for itself when it comes to Aubameyang who, newly instated as club captain, has carried the club on his shoulders along with Alexandre Lacazettesince his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018. The Gabon international has 54 goals in 86 appearances under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and now Ljungberg, picking up a share of the 2018/19 golden boot and being the bright spark in what has been a barren spell for the club, finishing outside the top four in the last two seasons at the Emirates.

Everton academy graduate Tom Davieshas gone under the radar in his consistency and reliability this term and has started to show his worth particularly since the departure of Marco Silva. The 21-year-old has recently passed a century of games for his boyhood club and the vastly experienced England youth international’s development is clear for all to see. A tough tackler who is certain to break up play and set the Toffees’ pacey attackers on their way at the weekend, will continue to demonstrate how much he has stepped up this season inside the Idrissa Gana Gueye shaped whole in the team.

The attacking contingents will be too hot to handle, and we should see a very enterprising early kick off.

Everton – Arsenal Betting Tip

Both Teams to Score with Betfair at odds of 1/2.

Bet Both Teams to Score on Betfair