Arsenal head into their Premier League clash against Everton on the 20th of this month knowing that consistency will be crucial as the season reaches a decisive phase.
Mikel Arteta’s side have shown strong form in recent weeks, particularly at the Emirates, and this fixture represents another opportunity to keep pressure on their title rivals. Everton, however, are rarely straightforward opponents, especially given their physical style and willingness to frustrate technically superior teams.
Arteta is expected to approach the game with a balanced blend of control and intensity. Against a Sean Dyche-coached Everton side, midfield dominance and defensive concentration will be key. Arsenal will likely look to dictate possession early, stretch the pitch through their wide players, and use quick ball circulation to pull Everton’s compact defensive shape out of position. The Gunners’ ability to score early could be decisive, as it would force Everton to abandon their deep block and open spaces.
In goal, Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper is expected to retain his place, providing calm distribution from the back. The defensive line should reflect Arteta’s preference for stability, with pace and recovery speed vital to deal with Everton’s counter-attacking threat. Full-backs will be tasked with pushing high to support attacks, while still remaining alert to Everton’s use of long balls and set-pieces.
Midfield selection will be particularly important. Arsenal are likely to rely on a holding midfielder who can break up play and shield the back four, alongside more progressive options who can carry the ball forward and create chances between the lines. This balance allows Arsenal to control the tempo while still posing a consistent attacking threat.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: David Raya — The Spaniard remains Arsenal’s first choice between the sticks. A reliable presence, Raya has continued to start most league games for the Gunners this season.
DEFENCE:
- RB: Jurrien Timber — With Ben White currently injured and Thomas Partey no longer at the club, Timber is expected to feature at right-back. Arsenal’s defensive stocks are stretched, but Timber’s experience gives Arteta a solid option.
- CB: William Saliba — The French centre-back is a cornerstone of the Arsenal defence. His contract renewal earlier this season underlines how important he is to Arteta’s plans.
- CB: Piero Hincapié — A summer signing, Hincapié gives Arsenal quality and athleticism in the centre. With Kiwior having left, his role is even more crucial.
- LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly — The young left-back has impressed and is likely to start if Riccardo Calafiori is unavailable or rotated. His progression this year has been notable.
MIDFIELD:
- CM: Martin Ødegaard (Captain) — Still the creative heartbeat of the team, Ødegaard will likely dictate play from midfield.
- CM: Declan Rice — The English midfielder adds energy, defensive cover, and physicality — key traits in Arsenal’s engine room.
- CM: Eberechi Eze / Christian Nørgaard — With Partey and Kiwior gone, Arteta will need creativity and balance here. Eze offers flair and goal threat, while Nørgaard would bring solidity if selected.
ATTACK:
- RW: Bukayo Saka — Consistently one of Arsenal’s most dangerous attackers, Saka should feature on the right flank.
- ST: Viktor Gyökeres — Arsenal’s big summer signing and key goal threat up front, Gyökeres should lead the line if fully fit.
- LW: Gabriel Martinelli — Often starting on the left, Martinelli’s pace and directness are likely to cause problems for Everton’s defence.
Squad Notes & Rotation
Departures & Changes:
- Thomas Partey, Jakub Kiwior, and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all exited Arsenal’s squad this season, meaning Arteta has had to adjust his left-back and midfield options accordingly.
Injury/Intensity Considerations:
- Arsenal’s congested December schedule means Arteta might rotate — especially in defence and midfield — but the core XI above reflects their strongest available lineup.
- Defensive injuries have been an issue, and young players like Lewis-Skelly are being leaned on more than usual.
In summary, Arsenal’s predicted lineup against Everton blends experience and youth, with Raya, Saliba, Rice, and Saka leading the way. The departures of Partey, Kiwior, and Zinchenko have forced tactical adjustments, but Arteta still has enough quality across the spine to field a competitive XI. Building around Ødegaard’s creativity, Rice’s balance, and Gyökeres’s striking threat, the Gunners will aim to maintain their Premier League momentum.