On Saturday, 20 December 2025, Arsenal will travel to Merseyside to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in a Premier League Gameweek 17 fixture.
The Gunners currently sit top of the table, aiming to extend their lead in a fixture that’s critical in the busy Christmas schedule following a congested run of fixtures.
Despite enduring a growing injury crisis, Mikel Arteta’s side remain favorites thanks to their superior form this season and strong attacking output. Everton, for their part, are a competitive mid-table team with a structured defensive setup under David Moyes, which could make for a tactical battle.
Probable Starting XI:
- GK: David Raya – Arsenal’s undisputed No.1 and key figure behind a solid defensive record.
- RB: Ben White – Despite recent injury setbacks, expected to start if available to provide experience and defensive solidity.
- CBs: Piero Hincapié & Jurrien Timber – A young but dependable centre-half pairing that’s become Arteta’s go-to in central defence amid other absences.
- LB: Riccardo Calafiori – Back from suspension to left-back, offering both defensive balance and attacking width.
- Midfield Trio:
- Martin Ødegaard – Captain and creative heartbeat, orchestrating play from the left of midfield.
- Declan Rice – The anchor, protecting the defence and recycling possession.
- Mikel Merino – Energetic box-to-box presence complementing Rice & Ødegaard.
- Attack:
- Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s key attacking outlet on the right flank.
- Gabriel Martinelli – Likely to start on the left with a direct, incisive threat.
- Noni Madueke (or left-field choice) – May start centrally or on the left when rotation is expected; strong recent displays put him in contention.
Note on Kai Havertz: There are conflicting predictions about Havertz’s role — some outlets expect him in the frontline as the central striker, while others suggest rotation could see Madueke or another attacker start.
Tactical Setup & Strategy
Defense
Arsenal will likely line up with a cautious back four. With Ben White and Hincapié helping to shepherd transitions, Arsenal will aim to build patiently from the back while minimizing Everton’s counter-attacking threat.
Midfield Balance
The trio of Rice (defensive stability), Ødegaard (creativity) and Merino (energy/attacking linkage) gives Arteta a balanced engine room capable of controlling tempo and breaking Everton’s defensive lines.
Attack
With Saka and Martinelli providing width and directness, Arsenal’s front line will press Everton’s full-backs and look to exploit transitions. Madueke or Havertz can act centrally to either hold up play or run beyond lines.
Injury & Availability Update
Arsenal’s squad has been stretched by injuries, especially in defence:
- Ben White has recently faced a significant setback but is expected to be passed fit for the Everton game.
- William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera remain out, leaving Arteta with fewer defensive options and forcing tactical adjustments.
Arteta has hinted at late fitness calls, indicating one or two players may come into contention only after final training assessments.
Key Players to Watch
Bukayo Saka
Consistent threat down the right flank, capable of unlocking stubborn defences — vital in breaking Everton’s low block.
Martin Ødegaard
The creative hub, his ability to link play and feed forwards will be crucial in a tight tactical battle.
Declan Rice
Provides the foundational stability that allows the more advanced midfielders freedom to influence the game.
Tactical Prediction & Match Outlook
Arsenal enter the fixture as clear favorites, driven by strong league form, attacking depth, and superior structural cohesion. Everton’s compact defensive approach could slow the tempo, but the Gunners’ quality in transition and wide areas should tip the balance.
Expect Arsenal to control possession and gradually build pressure, while Everton will hope to frustrate and hit on the break. However, with a fully committed midfield and wing-based threat, Arsenal’s attacking rhythm should eventually yield chances.
Conclusion
Despite injury challenges, Mikel Arteta’s predicted XI shows a blend of creativity, balance, and tactical discipline — enough to challenge Everton on the road. Arsenal’s strongest XI would likely see them dominate possession and edge the match, provided they avoid early defensive disorganization.