We could have done without a FA Cup replay further clogging up the fixture list but a winnable home home draw in the next round is a small consolation. Back in the league and the Everton game represents a great chance for us to get back into fourth place. You always get a physical game against The Toffees but if we can match them early on we have enough quality to go on and win.

The opposition – Everton

With its cramped wooden seating, small concourses and obstructed views Goodison Park is very much an old school football Ground - The Emirates it aint. But compared with most of the soulless new stadia springing up across the country (obviously excluding The Emirates - The Riverside springs to mind!) the atmosphere is second to none and it will be sadly missed if Everton’s controversial move to a new stadium in Kirkby goes ahead.
As for the team? Well, a difficult side to play at the best of times, Everton have found a new level of resilience in recent weeks following an injury crisis among their strikers. Shorn of Saha (rather predictably) Vaughan and Yakubu David Moyes has called on midfielder Tim Cahill to play on his own up front – and it has proved extremely effective. Eight games unbeaten with just 2 goals conceded means it will be another tough trip for the Gooners.

Last time out: Cardiff 0 Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1 Everton 1

Everton joined Arsenal in the hat for the FA Cup fifth round but like Arsenal will need to win a replay in order to confirm their place.
The Gunners had the better of it against Cardiff in the second half at Ninian Park and perhaps were a little disappointed not to grab the win. But for a side that is often accused of being a soft touch against so called lesser sides away from home, the teams’ resilience and determination against a tough physical Cardiff side bodes well for the rest of the campaign. A home draw against West Brom or Burnley should provide enough motivation for Wenger’s men to get past the Bluebirds in the replay.
Everton meanwhile, still suffering a striker shortage, were also deprived of influential midfielders Mikel Arteta and Maourane Fellaini for the clash with Liverpool at Anfield. But they still claimed a credible 1-1 draw – their second in a week at the home of their bitter rivals. If they can get some of their injured stars back for the replay is should prove another tough night for Rafa’s men.

Last league meeting at Goodison

30/12/2007 Everton 1-4 Arsenal

Despite going into the break a goal down thanks to that man Tim Cahill, the Gunners roared back in the second half. First a quick fire double from Eduardo put the Gunners in front before a Tim Howard mistake allowed Adebayor to nip in. Mikel Arteta saw red for Everton after an elbow on Fabregas before Tomas Rosicky grabbed a fourth in injury time.

Team News.

Gael Clichy returns after a one match ban and looks set to replace youngster Kieran Gibbs at left back. Manuel Almunia looks set for a recall in place of ‘cup keeper’ Fabianski. Wenger also must decide whether to recall William Gallas in place of Johan Djourou. The Frenchman only made it to the bench on Sunday after recovering from a hamstring strain.

Probable XI

Almunia
Sagna Toure Gallas Clichy
Denilson Eboue Diaby Nasri
Adebayor Van Persie

Key Battle
Denilson v Arteta – Nearly all of Everton’s attacking play comes through the Spaniard, if he can be contained the Gunners have a great chance of victory.

Key men

Arsenal – Emmanuel Adebayor
The big striker hasn’t reached the heights of last season and has been frustratingly inconsistent. But on his day he can be a world beater and has more than enough quality to breach a solid looking Everton defence.

Everton – Tim Cahill
The Australian is one of those players you love to have in your team but hate to play against. He is always in the defenders faces, isn’t afraid of a tackle, and has an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time to grab crucial goals – just ask Liverpool.


football betting. tips.


Odds: Everton 85/40 Arsenal 8/5 The draw 12/5

This is a game both teams can’t really afford to lose. Arsenal’s grip on a Champions League place is under threat because of the form of both Everton and Villa. The Toffees will look to take full advantage of any slip ups to close the gap. Because of this I think it will be tight and would be tempted to go for a 1-1 draw at decent football odds. tips. of 6-1.


Prediction
Everton 1 (Cahill) Arsenal 1 (Adebayor)