The Whackable Opposition
After 14 games played, Everton, the Gunners’ Saturday midafternoon opponents at the Emirates, occupy 15th in the league table with 14 points, having played one game fewer than their nearest rivals. The bad news for the Toffees is that their game in hand is against Liverpool after last Saturday’s scheduled ultimate league Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was postponed due to bad weather. But in their last ten league matches Everton have lost only twice, by 0-1 at Southampton and 0-4 at Manchester United. In that stretch Everton won three games, defeating Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Wolves; but stabilized the ship a bit by drawing five times after losing their first four league matches to Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Tottenham and Brighton.
Everton have flirted dangerously close to relegation for the last few seasons at a time in their history when they no doubt would have hoped for much better results. The club has been building a new stadium at Bramley-Moore dock on the Liverpool waterfront which is planned to become the heart of the area’s redevelopment. Once the stadium opens next year, it will be the eighth largest stadium in England, a host venue for the 2028 Euros, and, as Everton must hope, their new Premier League home assuming they haven’t been relegated in the meantime. Toffees team news ahead of Saturday’s postponed match was that Sean Dyche, their manager whose features bear an uncanny resemblance to the scurrying rodent pictured above, had no fresh injury concerns.
Arsenal XI
After Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League clean sheet victory against Monaco, Mikel Arteta is likely to pick a similar team while attempting to ensure that the team has fresh legs, and that the makeshift back four maintains a modicum of continuity, so Trossard for Martinelli on the left and Timber for Lewis-Skelly at fullback are the most straightforward of any changes he is likely to make. I’m predicting that Arteta will pick a team resembling this one:
Raya
Partey Saliba Kiwior Timber
Ødegaard Rice Merino
Saka Havertz Trossard
In his post-Monaco press comments, Mikel Arteta was pleased that his squad rotation, including four changes from last Sunday’s draw at Fulham where Jorginho started in midfield, was repaid with some big performances. El jefe said he was “very happy – it’s always very difficult to win in the Champions League… 3-0 and a clean sheet puts us in a really good position in the group. I’m really pleased as well to see some players that haven’t played that much – Myles (Lewis-Skelly) coming in and having his debut in the Champions League at 18 years old and performing the way he did, it was great… He played with a lot of personality, a lot of courage and competed really well in the game.”
If Lewis-Skelly or Nwaneri make another appearance against the Toffees it would be great but I expect that we will be more likely to see them appear off the bench in the second half. Another youngster who had a big game on Wednesday was usual suspect Bukayo Saka who notched two goals and an assist to boost him to 21 goal involvements this season. Seeing as how the team has struggled to score from open play this season, Saka’s attacking threat has been the team’s biggest weapon. Based on my detailed analysis of our recent games, I’m backing the Gunners to win this one by 2-0 or better with one goal scored by our Star Boy from open play, and another one scored by one of our defenders on a corner kick.
Wherever you are watching the match, ‘holics, have a good one and if the opportunity arises, be sure that you effectively whack any moles that appear in your vicinity.
Nice one, bt8. I’ve seen more flattering pictures of the Ginger One. On second thoughts, though…
My 2 cents on the back four is that Timber will start on the right, with Lewis-Skelly being given another run out on the left. With Big Gabi reportedly back, Kiwior or KT3 would be able to relieve MLS for the last half hour. That would let Partey back into the midfield, where he is far more influential, and reestablish the trinity of Timber, Ødegaard and Saka.
We have referred your outrageous comparison of a small, ugly mammal to the handsome members of our esteemed labour of moles directly to our solicitors, Mssrs Dig, Deep & Prosper. We shall not rest until this hole matter is put to bed.
We are appalled by the Mole Community’s attempt to raise a cheap laugh by the hackneyed means of a satirical law firm’s name and the damage it has done to the reputation of firms such as ourselves. We thus have no option but to put the matter into the hands of our London associates, Messrs. Sue, Grabbit and Runne, who have long experience of such libel cases as Lord Gnome can testify.
Cheers bt8.
whack-a….whack-a….I predict a Havertz hat-trick.
Great work at 2 & 3. The Guvnor would have been proud.
We represent the European interests of the mole community . It is tempting to consider the mole as a small, poorly sighted creature who digs deep holes for himself a bit like Jordan Pickford . In reality the mole is adaptable , resilient and smart, permanently dressed in velvet and cute – a furry Bukayo Saka .
Every day is a school day at GHF . I’ve always thought it was cruel to whack a mole but it’s perfectly in order to whack Everton and we will do so 3-0 tomorrow
Dig that oreview, bt8.
You’d be mad to be represented by Dig, Deep and Prosper – that’s probably why they always include a sanity claws.
And especially at Christmas, as Chico Marx said ripping up the last bit of his contract, everybody knows there’s no such thing as a sanity claws.
Holy moley, that’s an entertaining preview, bt8. I think moles are right to be outraged by the comparison to the hoarse ginger thug in charge of the Toffees. I think Gabriel will play as he will be desperate not to miss another match and MLS will be rewarded for his bravura performance on Wednesday with another start.
In the past Everton have sometimes proved a tougher nut to crack than either their form or league position would suggest (though usually at Goodison) while occasionally they have failed to put up any resistance at all. Hopefully it’s the latter tomorrow and another 7-0 would be delightful though Dyche’s usual set up wouldn’t facilitate that and 2-0 or 3-0 would be a very acceptable result. I expect a deep defensive block with a 9 man defence.
Considering the forthcoming match, I am reminded of that chip over Everton’s defence from Bouldy to the onrushing TA6 to score that classic goal to help us lift the title. That does now seem a long time ago. Inspiration for Saliba and Gabriel perhaps?
Entertaining preview bt8, thank you!
With Gabriel likely back, I suspect Kiwior will start as a left back — thought it’s not his best position he is fine there and I suspect Mikel isn’t going to put too much burden on MLS at this stage of his career — with Timber on the right, maybe one of Partey and Rice getting some rest (likely Rice who is evidently being managed with some ongoing issue) and Merino starting as the left #8.
We can’t really afford to drop points at home now. We need to start positively and keep the pressure up for the whole 90 minutes.
Thanks bt8, a very enjoyable preview though I tend to the learned doctor’s view that Kiwior will start at LB unless Zin is fit (I couldn’t find anywhere that he’s definitely out).
5-0 by oranges would suit me just fine.
Morning all, a stat for you on this just a tiny bit brighter but not yet sunny morning.
Arsenal have beaten Everton more times than any other team has ever beaten any other team in the top flight of English football.
Thank you ! Carry on !
Cheers Trev!
Trev@11: 👍
That stat is the more impressive as our first competitive encounter with Everton was not until 1905. We lost the first game at Goodison that season but won at the Manor Ground in what was to be the last appearance for Everton by Leigh ‘Dick’ or ”Mond’ Roose. He was said by many to be the finest glove-butler of the Edwardian era and described by others as an eccentric genius. It is said that in 1912, the laws of the game were changed from goalkeepers being allowed to handle anywhere in their own half to only in their penalty area as a result of Roose’s ventures upfield, which on one occasion left an opposition full-back unconscious. He played 13 times for the Arsenal at the end of a colourful career. But that, perhaps, is a story for another day.
I just found my stat on dot com as well. How annoying – fancy them knowing that too 🤷♂️
Keepers venturing upfield, Ned ? It’ll never catch on ! Although Raya was found pretty near the halfway line once or twice on Wednesday.
Excellent preview, bt8!
I agree in most respects, but I believe Rice might be rested. (I hope I am wrong.)
Dyche looks like how I’d imagine “The Angriest Man on Twitter.” (— TM Arseblog)
Let’s get another serving of delicious 3 points.
MCMBD
I have been asked to issue a Mon-MOLE- station order
I also note MLS keeps his place as Gabi returns and Havertz leads the line
COYG
A good looking preview followed quickly by a very good looking team selection. Very pleased to see MLS retaining the LB berth.
A win of any complexion will suit me very nicely.
Excellent preview bt8 and a matching excellent team to start. Hopefully class over crass will win.
Meanwhile I understand the residents of East & West Molesey are bringing a class action for defamation.
COYRRR
Liking the look of that team. Lovely day for football, crisp and clear.
Late but sincere and profound apilogied to anyone who I may have offended in the mole community. I hope the mole advocates will be appeased, and the moles themselves undamaged in all respects. Dyche really is scum though, isn’t he?
I think that’s a fulsome piece of apologizing bt8 and any mole worth it’s moleh name would e happy to accept…
Frustrating so far
Though not as frustrating as losing at home to Fulham
Dominant first half but without a goal. Skipper came closest and should probably have scored.
Trossard, Nwaneri and Jesus to come on and get a brace each.
All a bit play ’til Wednesday and we won’t score.
Bollocks but let’s see the mugsmashers result
Bollocks they pulled it round too, nothing day
Really frustrating. Bet your bollocks Chavs and C115y will win. Not sure what the answer is if we can’t score against Everton.
That was all a bit grim. Taking Ødegaard off was probably a mistake. It would be him if anyone could pick a way through that Everton defence. I understand why Arteta had to change things up, but sometimes you have to stick with your best players and trust they will find a way.
Twenty six years ago almost to the day we got beaten 3-1 at home by Blackburn. The crowd were furious and Wenger took serious stick .
‘ The season is over already ‘ was the cry . We did the double that season . Please keep the faith . It’s a long season and Liverpool are starting to wobble . This has the potential to be a great season but that potential would rise if we can sign a striker !
Just home. The mood amongst the crowd this afternoon was disappointment more than anything else.
Well said TTG @33. 100%.
We’ve got a Cup quarter final on Wednesday. We’ll be there. We go again. But as I said in my Fulham report the side needs a January tweak.
>>>>>>>