Arsenal v Everton Preview

Back at it on Sunday after another impressive attacking performance in mid week, and after clicking a 4th win in a row we welcome a stuttering Everton to the Emirates under the adventurous Marco Silva, who'll be looking to leave a mark on one of the Premier League's big boys.

After a handful of changes for the Europa League tie Thursday night, Unai Emery is expected to revert back to his preferred squad of first teamers. The like of Aaron Ramsey, Shkodran Mustafi, Petr Cech and Granit Xhaka were all given the evening off but it is expected that they'll return for the visit of the Toffees. The defence is beginning to take shape and form solid partnerships. I maintain my opinion that Mustafi is nowhere near the level a £35m defender should be but on the other hand Sokratis is now starting to show his value. He could potentially prove to be a fantastic bargain as the likes of Bellerin and Mustafi depend on him more and more each game. We saw a first glimpse of Bernd Leno and he surely enough impressed with the ball at his feet, something we see Petr Cech struggle with every game. The more time Leno gets in cup ties, the more likely it is we'll see him replace Cech in the league as he looks far more composed and tidy with the ball on the deck. He wasn't really tested in the air with his saves, as Vorskla scored one unsaved rocket and the other a messy defensive lapse.

Surely this is the week that Lucas Torreira finally gets a first league start! He started in mid week and was replaced a little after half time which would potentially suggest he could be in line to start at the base of the midfield tomorrow. Again he looked impressive controlling the tempo from deep. There wasn't much in the way of defending from midfield though as the Ukrainians barely mustered an attack in the first sixty or so minutes. Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka should also slot back into that three man midfield behind an expected front three of Lacazette, Aubameyang and Ozil. Mesut Ozil has now scored two in two and will be looking to continue this hot form but in coming from the right we've seen him look rather stifled for the most part as the lack of freedom is really restricting his game. He likes to be fluid and dynamic in where he plays, something that can really cost Arsenal at times - look at Thursday evening, Ozil comes on and certainly makes things happen going forward but his fluidity means little structure in the way of positioning meaning there is a likely avenue of attack for the opposition. That being said, Emery is yet to really build round his star man and until he does there will always be question marks over where and how he fits in.

We saw Alex Lacazette almost horizontal on the bench in mid week as the likes of Welbeck and Aubameyang saw pitch time ahead of him, with both leaving their mark on the score sheet. That being said, Lacazette has never looked fitter nor been in better form in an Arsenal shirt than recent weeks, and having him up the middle is the way to succeed. He looks hungry, fresh and really determined to leave his mark game after game. I expect this to continue tomorrow with another goal or two for the Frenchman.

Everton visit north London in somewhat stuttering form with the likes of Tosun, Calvert-Lewin and former Gunner Walcott to yet really find the net with any substance. However, they do have goal scoring threats all over the pitch and fortunately for their forwards, young Brazilian Richarlison returns tomorrow from a three match suspension. It's expected that he will slot straight back in on the left hand side with Theo Walcott from the right. I hope Walcott gets a great reception from the home fans tomorrow; he gave everything for Arsenal for a long time, and between Wenger and England toying him around position after position, he stuck at it and always strived to give more. It was said to be a tough decision to leave Arsenal, and our fans should appreciate the loyal service he gave to our club. But let's hope he doesn't score as that wouldn't be much of a celebration. With two of Everton's former Barcelona boys yet to feature, Lucas Digne is expected to carry this torch from left back and attacking midfielder Bernard could once again feature from the bench. Arsenal know all about Bernard having been linked with him a number of times over the last three of four years - and for Everton to get him on a free is a great steal. Although Pickford is looking good on the whole, Everton's defence is much like ours; lose and unpredictable and I fully expect the direct running of Lacazette and Aubameyang to cause havoc, especially without captain Seamus Coleman in the lineup.

After a smashing 5-1 victory in this fixture last season, I don't foresee as big a winning margin but I fully expect Arsenal to score a few goals and win the match, comfortably.

Expected lineup:

GK: Petr Cech

RB: Hector Bellerin

CB: Shkodran Mustafi

CB: Sokratis

LB: Nacho Monreal

CM: Granit Xhaka

CM: Lucas Torreira

CM: Aaron Ramsey

RW: Mesut Ozil

ST: Alex Lacazette

LW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Prediction: 3-1, Lacazette, Ramsey and Ozil scoring a goal each.

@craigbennett10