Predicted XI

Gabriel and Xhaka suspended - How Arsenal could line-up against Everton

Mikel Arteta's side earned a point against Southampton despite being down to 10 men, but desperately need a Premier League win

 
10:45am on Friday 18th December 2020
By
Martin Macdonald

Arsenal suffered from another bit of indiscipline during the week as central defender Gabriel was sent off for a second bookable defence against Southampton.

The Gunners can take a little bit of heart from the fact they fought to a 1-1 draw while down to 10 men, but it doesn't change the fact they, and their manager, desperately need to start picking up wins.

Gabriel will now be suspended for this weekend's huge match against Everton, which Arsenal undoubtedly go into as the underdogs.

The Brazilian's red against Southampton was the latest example of an Arsenal player losing their concentration or simply losing their head in recent weeks to be sent off. Nicolas Pepe and Granit Xhaka have also seen red over the past month, with the Switzerland international also missing the Everton game due to suspension.

Mikel Arteta will be able to recall Hector Bellerin after the Spaniard completed his one-game suspension against the Saints, but has been in poor form so Ainsley Maitland-Niles might play again despite his return.

Thomas Partey remains an absentee due to injury.

Eddie Nketiah started against Southampton and set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's equaliser with a lovely touch into the box, and although Arteta may be tempted to bring Alexandre Lacazette back in, his team desperately need consistency so Nketiah could start again.

Expect a similar line-up to the one that fought back, with David Luiz coming in for the suspended Gabriel.

Nicolas Pepe was given the chance to impress on the right wing during the week.

He failed, so expect Willian to come back in.

Arsenal v Everton: Predicted XI

Arsenal - Football tactics and formations

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