da prosport bet： What has happened to Everton’s season? The Toffees have capitulated in recent weeks having initially secured their best start to a Premier League campaign.
da bet7： This Tuesday, Everton come up against an in-form Arsenal side who have maintained a successful title challenge, unlike the struggling Merseysiders who have recorded just one victory in eight games.
Following an defeat away to Watford on Saturday, Ronald Koeman has masterminded just one win in all competitions since September 20th.
On the contrary, Arsene Wenger’s side have lost just once since their opening day defeat to Liverpool and travel to Merseyside high on confidence, including a 3-1 victory over Stoke City last weekend.
They’ll be determined to compete with Chelsea’s recent nine-game winning run and close the gap between themselves and the Blues at the table’s summit.
All hope is not lost for Everton, but Ronald Koeman must pick this starting XI to end their losing drought.
GK: Maarten Stekelenburg
If Everton’s owners have any ambitions to move forward, upgrading players such as Maarten Stekelenburg is a necessity.
The Dutch shot-stopper continues to disappoint on Merseyside, but against Arsenal, Koeman has no option but to go ahead with him in goal once again.
The Dutchman has produced a number of big game performances, though, and another one vs. Arsenal is necessary for Everton to have any chance of success.
RB: Seamus Coleman
Right-back Seamus Coleman remains the club’s most consistent defender according to whoscored.com.
Coleman’s ability to go from box-to-box could be decisive in whether the Toffees can overcome the Gunners, or if they will once again come unstuck.
CB: Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams has proven an inspired signing from Koeman this season, as the Welsh international has ensured Everton’s defensive woes have eased considerably.
Nonetheless, Williams now faces the unenviable task of preventing Alexis Sanchez from having a significant impact on proceedings at Goodison Park.
If Williams can silence the Chilean, then a victory for Everton may be a real possibility.
CB: Phil Jagielka
The veteran defender’s performances have been questionable in recent weeks as the 34-year-old’s legs have slowed up.
Against the fast pace of Arsenal, Jagielka must ensure his reading of the game is near perfect, as the smallest of errors vs. the Gunners is likely to be capitalised upon by Theo Walcott, Sanchez or Alex Iwobi.
LB: Leighton Baines
Over the course of the decade, Leighton Baines has been the Premier League’s most consistent left-back but since David Moyes departed Goodison Park, he’s slowed up.
Baines will be tasked with preventing Walcott from adding to his 100th club career goal, and the speed of the English winger may prove too much to handle for Baines.
Going forward, Arsenal need to be wary of Baines’ attacking threat, though.
CM: Idrissa Gueye
In terms of value for money, Idrissa Gueye remains one of the best signings of the summer transfer window.
Gueye has been Everton’s shining light in midfield and his battle with Granit Xhaka could be an interesting one to say the very least.
The energy of the ex-Aston Villa man may rattle the Gunners.
CM: Gareth Barry
Ronald Koeman has ensured Barry remains one of the Toffees’ most significant players.
Against a free-passing team such as Arsenal, Barry’s input could be vital in overcoming and unsettling their rhythm.
Arguably the biggest weakness of the former England international is his discipline, but if he can contain Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, then the Toffees’ chances of overcoming Wenger’s men will drastically improve.
CM: Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley continues to disappoint the Everton faithful on a regular basis as the progression the midfielder was expected to make evades him.
Barkley regularly goes missing in matches for extended periods, but now against the Gunners he has to have a significant impact.
RW: Aaron Lennon
In the absence of Yannick Bolasie, Koeman must favour Aaron Lennon to start in his absence.
Lennon’s directness and energy could be a significant factor for Everton in overcoming the Gunners for the second time in three reasons.
Goals are missing from Lennon’s game and what a time it would be to end that recent goal drought.
LW: Kevin Mirallas
Sadly, when starting Kevin Mirallas, it’s difficult to know which version of the maverick Belgian will show up.
Against Arsenal, Mirallas could ensure his long-term future on Merseyside is secure by assisting the team in overcoming the Londoners.
His recent performances have been a cause for concern for Ronald Koeman but with injuries to key players, Mirallas could yet prove all his doubters wrong.
ST: Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku has shown glimpses of his ability this season but his inconsistent form continues to divide opinion on Merseyside.
When Lukaku is on form, there are not many better forwards in the Premier League.
If Everton’s wide players can provide Lukaku with the service, the Belgian forward could be devastating.