Arsenal were humiliated at home to the closest thing the Champions League has to a ‘minnow’ in midweek, with Monaco winning 3-1 at the Emirates. However, to cheer themselves up, the Gunners needed only to look at the Premier League table, which reveals that their recent good form has enabled them to leapfrog Manchester United into third place. Once again, despite many troubles, Arsène Wenger looks like he’s going to pull a top four finish out of the bag.
Everton vs. Arsenal 2015: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Arsenal will look to bounce back from their midweek Champions League disappointment against Everton on Sunday.
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Everton will look to throw a spanner in the works when the Gunners head for Goodison Park on Sunday, but their chances of causing an upset look bleak. Roberto Martínez’s side have won only once in the league all year, and are fortunate that there are several teams in the league worse than they are. They’re having a horrible season, but still look like they’re going to steer pretty comfortably clear of the bottom three.
Key player - Alexis Sánchez (Arsenal)
Arsenal's most dangerous attacker is undoubtedly Alexis Sánchez, who was pretty much the only player to consistently cause Monaco problems in midweek. The Chilean seems to play at a quicker pace to all of his teammates, and isn't frightened of taking defenders on. He must be utterly terrifying to play against, and could make mincemeat of the Everton defence if given the chance.
Key matchup - Ross Barkley vs. Arsenal's mushy midfield
The Gunners' age-old defensive midfield problem has continued to haunt them this season, and any team with a true attacking midfielder is sure to find space in which to cause problems. For Everton, young Ross Barkley is just the man. Even if Arsenal's inexperienced anchorman Francis Coquelin is given a start, Arsenal will struggle to keep the lively Engand international quiet.
Everton injuries and suspensions
Out: Bryan Oviedo (hamstring), Tony Hibbert (muscular). In doubt: Aiden McGeady, Steven Pienaar (knee), Christian Atsu (illness).
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Mikel Arteta (ankle), Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder), Abou Diaby (calf). In doubt: Mathieu Flamini, Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Jack Wilshere (ankle).
Everton's only certain absentees look to be full-backs Bryan Oviedo and Tony Hibbert, though three wingers are all in doubt: Aiden McGeady, Steven Pienaar and Christian Atsu. McGeady has featured regularly this season, and is probably the only potential absence causing Roberto Martínez consternation. Arsenal will still be without Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy and Abou Diaby, though three central midfielders could all make it back: Mathieu Flamini, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, 2 p.m. local
Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), RDS (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), BT Sport (U.K.)
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