Arsenal Set to Battle Everton: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

A crucial week that could shape Arsenal's campaign in their successful 2025–26 season kicks off with Everton's visit on Saturday.

Three pivotal matches await Mikel Arteta's trophy-hunting side before the March international window. This week, the Gunners received a reality check that despite their seemingly favorable route to the Champions League final, conquering Europe's premier tournament remains exceptionally challenging, and a 1–1 stalemate in Leverkusen ensures everything remains open for Tuesday evening's clash in north London.

Arteta is also preparing for next Sunday's Carabao Cup final, though the Spanish manager must focus on the present to avoid jeopardizing the club's Premier League championship aspirations. Arsenal hold a seven-point cushion over Manchester City, who have one game in hand, and could stretch that gap to 10 points before the Citizens take the field at the London Stadium.

Nevertheless, Everton have thrived away from home this campaign and approach Saturday's encounter well-rested following two straight victories. They sit eighth in the standings and nurture hopes of an unexpected European qualification next term.

Arsenal vs. Everton Score Prediction

Arsenal vs. Everton Score Prediction

Gunners to Secure Narrow Victory

Gunners to Secure Narrow Victory

Arsenal have been grinding out results recently, but style points are irrelevant at this juncture of the season. Provided the Gunners finish the campaign with the league crown in their possession, fans won't be concerned about the manner of their success.

Yet their lackluster display and frustrating outcome midweek was predictable given their prior two outings. They provided minimal threat at Brighton & Hove Albion after securing an early advantage and were drawn into a scrap against League One Mansfield Town the previous week.

A Viktor Gyökeres spot-kick was the difference in the earlier meeting, and it appears likely that just a decisive moment or two will determine this encounter. Establishing a 10-point lead at the top would feel substantial for the home side.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–1 Everton

Prediction: Arsenal 2–1 Everton

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Everton

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Everton

Arsenal remain without skipper Martin Ødegaard, who probably won't return to action until following the international break due to a knee problem. However, rather than deploying Eberechi Eze to compensate for the Norwegian's unavailability, Arteta might opt for Kai Havertz—he converted a spot-kick midweek against his previous club and has steadily been building toward peak condition.

Leandro Trossard remains questionable following the injury he sustained at Mansfield last week. The Belgian wasn't healthy enough to make the midweek trip, though Riccardo Calafiori recovered sufficiently to earn a place on the bench. Ben White also returned to the matchday roster on Wednesday.

Mikel Merino will aim to be available for the season's final stretch after undergoing foot surgery early in the year.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Everton (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubímendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, Gyökeres.

Everton Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Everton Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Everton have benefited from an extended rest period and are not thought to have any new injury worries.

Jack Grealish is sidelined for the remainder of the season after fracturing his foot, but the brilliant Iliman Ndiaye has stepped up in the Englishman's absence. Dwight McNeil has also experienced a revival on the opposite wing after nearly departing the club during the January window.

Charly Alcaraz is also unavailable through injury for the away team, though Séamus Coleman might recover from a knock in time to feature in Moyes' matchday selection. The flawed but developing Thierno Barry could be favored over Beto up front.

Everton predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Barry.

What Time Does Arsenal vs. Everton Kick Off?

What Time Does Arsenal vs. Everton Kick Off?

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Everton on TV, Live Stream

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Everton on TV, Live Stream