Saka Set to Shine as Arsenal Face Make-or-Break Title Showdown Against Everton
Arsenal maintain their Premier League championship pursuit this Saturday evening as they travel to Merseyside for a challenging encounter against Everton.
The Gunners presently sit atop the Premier League table and can secure the Christmas Day leadership position—always a meaningful achievement—with a win over Everton. Nevertheless, a loss or stalemate combined with Manchester City defeating West Ham United earlier on Saturday would force them to relinquish first place.
Arsenal, who must also consider their postponed Carabao Cup quarterfinal clash with Crystal Palace this coming Tuesday, require maximum points at the stunning Hill Dickinson Stadium, making Mikel Arteta's squad selection crucial for success against David Moyes's experienced Toffees.
Here is how Arsenal might set up against Everton.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Everton (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Raya will be pursuing his ninth Premier League shutout of the campaign this weekend as a more settled Arsenal defensive unit prepares to neutralize an Everton team possessing the joint-third weakest offensive record in the league.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Ben White has joined Arsenal's growing list of defensive casualties, but Timber was destined to reclaim the right-back position in the near future. He will encounter a difficult duel with Jack Grealish on Merseyside.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba returned from multiple weeks of absence against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous outing as Arsenal managed to claim three points. The French defender's comeback arrives at an opportune moment during this demanding fixture schedule.
CB: Piero Hincapié—With Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera remaining in the medical bay, Hincapié will begin his sixth consecutive appearance on Saturday evening. Thierno Barry and Beto represent manageable opposition compared to other strikers he'll encounter this campaign.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—Calafiori missed the Wolves encounter last weekend due to suspension, but will resume left-back duties against Everton. He will be grateful that the energetic Iliman Ndiaye is representing Senegal before the approaching Africa Cup of Nations.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—Everton will likely deploy an extremely defensive formation to disrupt their opponents, making Ødegaard essential for breaking down the host's defensive structure.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi will be fit for the match despite a recent fitness concern, with Arsenal already depending heavily on their midfield anchor. He has adapted exceptionally well to English football.
CM: Declan Rice—Whether through his forward runs or dead-ball deliveries, Rice possesses the ability to influence the outcome against Everton. The England midfielder provides excellent equilibrium in Arsenal's midfield core.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Though not officially credited with assists, Saka contributed to both Wolves own goals in last weekend's tight victory. When Arsenal require creative inspiration in pivotal moments, he rarely disappoints.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—The Swedish striker has failed to score in his previous five appearances and risks being substituted by Mikel Merino or Gabriel Jesus in upcoming fixtures if his form doesn't improve. He must contribute more both in and around the penalty area.
LW: Eberechi Eze—Arsenal might utilize Gabriel Martinelli's pace or Leandro Trossard's tactical awareness on Merseyside, but Eze could potentially start on the left flank. Although not his preferred position, he remains a possible match-winner.
