Coming into this match on the back of a nightmare against AS Monaco, Arsene Wenger would be hoping for his team to make a comeback. Being the clear favorites against Monaco in the Champions League, Arsenal’s hopes of surviving in the competition are now hanging by a thread.
Thus, with Premier League their best chance of getting into next year’s competition, a fixture against the strugglers Everton is a good chance for the Gunners to get their form back.
Here is how they’re expected to lineup against Everton: –
David Ospina
Although he had a belated start to his career at Arsenal, David Ospina has quickly become a fan favorite in recent weeks. However, like most of the Arsenal goal-keepers of late, Ospina has started to show signs of nervousness as his performance against AS Monaco suggests. And with Szczesny waiting in the sidelines, Ospina has to improve his game.
Hector Bellerin
When Debuchy got injured for the 2nd time this season, Arsene Wenger’s full back options were down to bare bones. With Calum Chambers not adaptable to that position, Wenger had no choice but to go for the German. However, barring that game against AS Monaco where the entire Arsenal side switched off, Bellerin has been getting better week in week out for the Gunners.
Per Mertesacker
For a traditional club like Arsenal where Legends are adored, the behavior of Arsenal fans towards their Captain seems a riddle. However, the performance level of the German has given leverage to his critics in the recent weeks.
Laurent Koscielny
When all the team is under fire from the fans, it is difficult to avoid the criticism which seems scathing at times. However, credit to the Frenchman that he is still able to keep his reputation as a commanding defender intact.
Kieran Gibbs
In that match against AS Monaco where Arsene Wenger decided to improvise Monreal ahead of Gibbs, Arsenal had to pay the price as Monreal was run riot by Monaco wing-backs. Thus, Gibbs is expected to get his position back.
Santiago Cazorla
For a player who has been the most influential for Arsenal over the past 8 months, it was disappointing to see him disappear in a big game like Monaco. But with Everton coming to the Emirates, Cazorla would be expecting to take his form from exactly the same position where he left it against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Francis Coquelin
Started as an experiment against Manchester City in the Premier League, the Frenchman has been becoming increasingly in-dispensable for the Gunners.
Mesut Ozil
When they say that big players are made for big games, Mesut Ozil is definitely an exception. Being the top-assist maker for a side like Real Madrid 2 seasons ago, Ozil has been unable to replicate his class in big games.
Alexis Sanchez
He came, he saw and he conquered. Although that verse is attributed to a great warrior, the first 6 months of Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal can also attribute him with that tag. However, proving the law of averages right, the Colombian has been out of form since his return from the injury.
Theo Walcott
Although it was Welbeck who started the proceedings for Arsenal in the mid-week, the lack of result shown by the Englishman might force Wenger to consider Walcott for the right wing role. In 7 appearances that he has made for Arsenal this season, Arsenal have scored 15 goals. Thus, with Everton famous for their ability to draw matches, the mobility of Walcott might expose them in-front of the Arsenal folklore.
Olivier Giroud
While there were many other factors for the debacle of Arsenal at the hands of AS Monaco in the mid-week, one primary reason was the lack of form shown by the Frenchman. Having attempted 5 shots on goal none of which was on-target, Giroud was substituted eagerly by Arsene Wenger.
However, with his recent performances in the Premier League suggesting otherwise, the tall Frenchman would play in the central striker role for Arsenal.
Arsenal Vs Everton will take place at the Emirates Stadium, on Sunday 1st March.
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Barclays Premier League: How will Arsenal lineup against Everton
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