After last Tuesday’s unimpressive bore draw in Turkey, Wenger’s side will be looking to put that blip aside and bounce back with a better performance against the Toffee Scousers.
Certainly, this won’t be an easy task. In fact it’s never an easy task facing any team coached by Roberto Martínez.
Roberto Martínez, a man who in many quarters is likened to young Arsene Wenger, has indeed done wonders with the Everton team he took over a year ago. Few loan signings and a couple shrewd buys made them so close to the top four last season, and they’ll be looking to continue in the same vein this season. They’ve maintained the core of last seasons team and they’ve added well too.
Formations: Everton
The Tofees will most likely stick with the same side that drew at Leicester.
If any change, it has to be Seamus Coleman man coming in place of Stones. Besides that, with Barkley now confirmed to be out for two months, one will expect Aiden McGeady to start on the left, with Lukaku and Naismith occupying the positions left upfront. The same midfield base- Barry and McCarthy- that successfully contained our attackers in last season’s 3-0 demolition, is expected to start.
With Wenger’s men still struggling for fitness, I’m sure Martínez and his fitter team will fancy their chances.
Probable line-up: Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagelka, Baines, McCarthy, Barry, Peineer, McGeady, Naismith, Lukaku
Key Player to watch:
Romelo Lukaku:
Once hailed as the second coming of Didier Drogba, the big striker appeared to have given up hope of replacing the Chelsea legend when he signed a permanent deal for the Toffees earlier this summer.
On loan from Chelsea last season, the 21 year – old banged in 15 goals for Everton in all comps including one against Arsenal at the Goodson park. Certainly RM will once again will trust the Belgian for goals this season. The erratic Lukaku will spearhead Everton’s attack on Saturday and they will be hoping its one of his good days.
Arsenal:
In the absence of ze Germans (Ozil in particular), Wenger has been compelled to play a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Arteta sitting very deep and Wilshere / Ramsey both holding the the two box-box midfield roles. With the Germans back now, provided Ozil is fit enough to start, we’re expected to revert to last season’s 4-2-3-1. Aside that, Per may start alongside the impressive Callum Chambers given Kosceinly’s recent injury niggles.
With Arteta out, Flamini should start. Personally feel Sánchez is the only sure starter in the front three at the moment. Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Giroud, Campbell, and Sanogo [oh boy, see the depth !will vie for the remaining two positions.
Probable 11; Sz….., Monreal, Chambers, Per, Debuchy, flamini, Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla, Sánchez, Giroud
Key Player
Sánchez:
All eyes will once again be the Arsenal’s new signing. For me I think the start to his Arsenal career haven’t been as good as I’d like. He has to calm the f*ck down and play with the team. That being said, with Ozil back, I hope the pressure will ease a bit, and we’ll be enjoy his best. Hopefully that starts on Saturday.
Verdict
This tie last season ended 3-0 in favour of Everton. That match highlighted our two major deficiencies – Pace and Power. We were outplayed by the industry of McCarthy and the strength of Lukaku.
Months have passed, things haven’t changed much.
We still have no Midfield power house, that’s my major worry.
Ramsey’s back and hopefully in top gear. Chamberlain, Sánchez and a target man should give us enough upfront. Sadly, that’s almost not going to happen because in recent times Wenger has always favoured a creative player on the left. However, on a good day aWenger team will get all three points at Goodson park, we can only hope Saturday is one.
I’m calling 3-1 to the Arsenal
