Calafiori will be available for selection. — Reuters
EVERTON are next up for Arsenal, in the Londoners’ pursuit of their first Premier League title in more than two decades.
Not more than a few weeks ago, the Gunners looked a solid bet to pull it off and hand Mikel Arteta due reward for his perseverance over the past six years.
He also spent more than £200mil in the off season, bringing in real quality to strengthen his squad and give him the resources for a tilt at the title that would not be derailed by injuries or suspensions.
But, should Arsenal fail to beat the Toffees at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Merseyside today, and Manchester City see off West Ham United as expected, the Gunners will find themselves deposed at the top of the standings. They lead City by just two points.
The popular school of thought is an Arsenal win, but given recent form, not too many will see them easily roll over David Moyes’ side.
The last-gasp defeat a fortnight ago at the hands of Aston Villa, who could mathematically draw level with the Gunners on points today, and the draw at newly promoted Sunderland two weeks prior, drained some of that early season vim and vigour.
They did bounce back with wins over Club Brugge and Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.
But even then, they failed to score against the latter at the bottom of the table: Their two strikes against winless Wolves came courtesy of two own goals.
Arsenal will be missing Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman and Kai Havertz. They are also monitoring the fitness of Martin Zubimendi.
Riccardo Calafiori, however, returns from suspension.
Everton’s fitness doubts are Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish.
Grealish’s absence, in particular, will sorely affect the side and considerably weaken their attacking formation.
All in all, Arsenal will expect to register the right result and continue their march towards a potential first title since 2004.
Against an Everton side that was up to third two weeks ago, any waywardness by the London club and Everton will surely swoop to take advantage.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are getting some backing for a victory over Newcastle despite playing away from home.
While both are seen as sides with plenty of talent but erratic at the best of times, the Blues appear to hold a slight edge ahead of their meeting.
Being among the richest clubs in England, both will be bent on victory.
Newcastle are far too good to be languishing in 12th and will be out to improve their standing.
Similarly, Chelsea, fourth in the table, will be keen to put behind them the controversy caused by manager Enzo Maresca’s comments after dispatching Everton in the league last weekend.
He said he had endured the “worst 48 hours” of his tenure at the club, without elaborating. — By SHAUN ORANGE
