Match Preview: Arsenal vs Everton

Arsenal vs. Everton is the fourth most common game in the history of football league as these sides meet tonight for the 184^th time. The most common fixtures in the football league is Aston Villa vs. Everton (196), behind that are Arsenal vs. Manchester United (187) & Everton vs. Liverpool (187).

Arsenal will be looking to continue their red hot form by beating the Merseyside club tonight. It will be a tough fight as Everton are visiting the Emirates with full confidence. If Arsenal win today, they will extend their lead on their North London rivals by 4 points. From now on, no one else but only Arsenal control their own future, their own destiny!

One major boost for Arsenal is Tomas Rosicky coming back into the side. He missed the weekend game with a hamstring injury after scoring a brace against WBA. Per Mertesacker is available after serving a match ban. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is a major doubt because of a rib injury. Wojciech Szczesny should be guarding the poles for Wenger’s team. Squad selection will be a major headache for Arsene Wenger as he is spoiled with options for the centre backs, left wingers & attacking midfielders.

For Everton, defender Tony Hibbert is set to continue his comeback from calf surgery by playing for the under-21s later on Monday. David Moyes will assess a few knocks and bruises ahead of the trip to North London. Darron Gibson may play a part today, but he is likely to go under the knife at the end of the season to fix a troublesome thigh problem. Only Manchester giants have suffered fewer defeats than Moyes’ Everton side this season so they will hope to continue their run of form.

Stats:

• Arsenal have scored more goals at home against Everton than any host side in any fixture in Premier League history (49).
• Arsenal have scored 18 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season; more than any other team.
• Everton have netted 15 goals in the final 15 minutes of the first half of Premier League games; more than any other side.
• 10 of Olivier Giroud’s 11 Premier League goals have been netted at the Emirates and the other was netted away at West Ham making the top scorer in the capital this season.
• Arsenal have conceded just 15 second-half goals, making them the joint-tightest defence after the break in the top flight (along with Man City).
• Everton have netted the joint-most headed goals in the top flight (13) along with Norwich (who netted their 13th against the Gunners on Saturday) & Manchester United.
• Everton have picked up 13 points from the last 15 available in the top flight, but four of those games were at home. On the road they have earned two draws and two defeats in their last four away games.
• Only Southampton (16) have dropped more points from winning positions away from home than Everton this season (14).

Match officials

Referee: Neil Swarbrick; Assistants: G Beswick, L Betts; Fourth official: K Friend.