Everton will take on Arsenal in a Premier League match at Goodison Park on Saturday. On paper, it seems to be a mismatch, as Arsenal are the table-toppers with 50 points from 19 matches, whereas Everton are in the relegation zone with 15 points from 20 matches, with only Southampton behind them on goal difference.
Effectively, it appears that Arsenal should easily be able to take all three points from this match. However, Mikel Arteta’s team should not take things lightly and would like to ensure three points without much fuss.
On that note, we will take a look at two things to watch out for in the match:
#1. Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka looking to continue their great run:
It has been a team-effort from Arsenal this season, but Odegaard and Saka are the two players who have stood out with their outstanding performance. Odegaard challenges Kevin de Bruyne for being the most brilliant attacking midfielder in the Premier League at the moment and has eight goals and five assists this season so far.
Odegaard’s ability to carry the ball from deep and also set his teammates free inside the opposition penalty box with his probing passes can unsettle any defense. Moreover, he also has a good shot on him and can score goals from outside the penalty box.
Saka, meanwhile, has enhanced his reputation a great deal during the last few seasons with his darting runs through the inside-right channel and also finish with scorching left-footers. With Gabriel Martinelli also turning on the heat down the left flank and Eddie Nketiah impressing with his work-rate and nimble-footed display, the Everton defense will have their task cut out on Saturday.
#2. New signings getting a chance to shine for Arsenal:
Arsenal has made a couple of signings in the January transfer window and both Leandro Trossard and Jorginho might get a chance to make their mark against Everton. Neither should be able to start, however, unless Thomas Partey’s rib-injury forces him out of the match.
In the event of Partey not being able to start, Jorginho should get a chance in the starting eleven. However, that seems unlikely at the moment and the former Chelsea midfielder might be introduced as a substitute if the Gunners are able to take a lead with some time to spare.
Trossard might also replace Martinelli should the visitors decide to explore more attacking options in the second half. The Belgian winger has been impressive during his brief stint at the club and should be able to further justify his signing against a weaker opposition on Saturday.