Arsenal will host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 24, as Mikel Arteta’s side looks to keep pace at the top of the Premier League. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM BST.

Arsenal enters the weekend in second place with 18 points from seven matches, while Everton sits eighth with 10 points after suffering its first league defeat of the season.

Verdict: Arsenal to win to nil
Best odds: 23/20
Bookmaker: 1xBet

Arsenal

Arsenal returns from Germany with a useful Champions League point and a significant injury concern.

Declan Rice’s late equalizer secured a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, although Bukayo Saka’s early withdrawal took some of the satisfaction out of the result. Eberechi Eze had opened the scoring after replacing the winger.

Before that trip, Arsenal had put together three consecutive victories, beating Leeds 2-1, Lille 3-0 and Nottingham Forest 1-0.

The Forest game required patience. Noni Madueke came off the bench to score the winner, and a similarly persistent approach could be needed against an Everton side that has already drawn four league matches.

Arsenal’s defensive record gives the home side a strong foundation.

Arteta’s team has conceded five goals in seven Premier League games, with three of those coming in the defeat at Brighton. Four clean sheets underline how difficult Arsenal has usually been to break down.

The hosts should have enough possession to keep Everton defending for long periods. Maintaining their concentration when an attack breaks down will be particularly important against Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry.

Arsenal Team News

Saka is a major doubt after suffering a quadriceps problem against Bayern. Arteta expressed concern in his post-match injury update, with further assessment needed to establish the severity.

William Saliba and Christos Tzolis remain sidelined. Piero Hincapie also missed the trip to Munich, and his availability needs checking before Saturday.

Madueke could start on the right if Saka is unavailable, with Eze operating from the left and Martin Odegaard supporting the striker.

Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres give Arteta options through the middle. Gyokeres helped create Rice’s equalizer in Munich and could come into consideration if the manager rotates.

Ezri Konsa is expected to partner Gabriel in central defense, with David Raya behind them.

Everton

Everton’s unbeaten league start ended with a 2-0 home defeat against Chelsea last weekend.

David Moyes had guided his side through the opening six fixtures without losing, although four draws meant that run produced a modest points total. The next challenge is to recover against the reigning champion.

Everton has scored four goals across its last five matches in all competitions. That sequence includes narrow victories over Ipswich and Wolves, a goalless draw at Tottenham and the Chelsea defeat.

There was more attacking encouragement in the 2-2 draw at Hull. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Barry scored as Everton recovered from a goal down to take the lead, before conceding an equalizer.

That performance showed Everton can create opportunities, but finding the same space at the Emirates will be difficult.

Moyes has had a full week to prepare, which could help his players maintain their defensive shape against an opponent returning from European action.

The concern is how Everton gets enough support around Barry. If Arsenal keeps Grealish occupied defensively and forces the midfield backward, the striker could spend much of the afternoon waiting for service.

Everton Team News

Vitalii Mykolenko and Merlin Rohl both returned to the starting lineup against Chelsea after fitness issues.

Jarrad Branthwaite also started alongside James Tarkowski in central defense. Michael Keane missed that squad, so his availability remains something to check before the trip to London.

Jordan Pickford should continue in goal, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Mykolenko the likely fullbacks.

James Garner, Harrison Armstrong and Dewsbury-Hall could again form the midfield, although Moyes has alternatives if he wants to change the balance following the Chelsea defeat.

Barry is expected to lead the attack, with Grealish providing support from the left. Rohl and Brennan Johnson are options for the opposite flank.

Arsenal vs Everton key factors to consider

• Arsenal has won six of its opening seven Premier League matches.
• Arsenal has kept four league clean sheets and conceded five goals.
• Arteta’s side has won its last two league games, beating Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
• Arsenal drew 2-2 at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
• Everton’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea ended a six-match unbeaten league start.
• Everton has scored four goals in its last five matches across all competitions.
• Arsenal won both league meetings last season without conceding.
• Saka is a major doubt after his injury in Munich.

Conclusion

Everton’s results suggest it can make this competitive, particularly with a full week to prepare. Arsenal may need time to find a breakthrough, especially if Saka misses out.

The home side’s defensive record remains the strongest reason to support a win without conceding. Everton has struggled to score regularly in recent matches, and Arsenal should be able to limit the service reaching Barry.

Eze, Odegaard and the available strikers still give Arteta enough attacking options to find a winner.

Arsenal to win to nil is the selection.

Verdict: Arsenal to win to nil
Best odds: 23/20
Bookmaker: 1xBet