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Preview: Arsenal v Everton: key man fit, Welbeck starts + prediction

By on May 20, 2017

Arsene wenger

Arsenal need to beat Everton on the final day of the season at the Emirates on Sunday to stand any chance of finishing in the top four.

We’ve given ourselves a slim chance of snatching fourth spot thanks to an impressive run of form in recent weeks that’s seen us win six of our last seven league games.

A 4-1 win at Stoke was followed-up by a 2-0 victory over Sunderland in midweek to leave us sitting fifth in the table and just one point adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool.

Therefore, we have to beat Everton tomorrow and pray that Middlesbrough can get a positive result at Anfield to clinch Champions League qualification. It’s unlikely, but you just never know.

There is also a slight chance we could overtake third-placed Man City if they lose at Watford and we can wipe out their +5 goal difference but that’s highly unlikely so Liverpool need to be the target.

Team News

Koscielny is facing a late fitness test after missing the Sunderland game with an Achilles/calf issue but I think he’ll be passed fit to play.

Ramsey is available despite limping out of the game in midweek with an apparent calf injury so he should retain his place in midfield.

However, Oxlade-Chamberlain remains out as he’s still nursing a hamstring injury but he should be back for next weekend’s FA Cup final.

As for Everton, they’ll be without Aaron Lennon, Maarten Stekelenburg, James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, Ramiro Funes Mori and Yannick Bolasie.

Preferred line-up

If Koscielny is fit then I’d play him in the back three along with Mustafi and Holding. That would allow Monreal to move back to the wing where I think he looks more comfortable.

Bellerin will remain on the right while Ozil and Alexis will be looking to continue their recent good form in attack. I’d like to see Welbeck come in for Giroud up front as the Frenchman is far better used as an impact sub.

Prediction

We come in to the game in good form having won our last four on the bounce while Everton are without a win on the road in their last seven. They have nothing left to play for and hopefully they’ll want to help us oust Liverpool from the top four. We shouldn’t need any favours though and I’m backing the boys to secure a 2-0 win. We’ll have to see whether that will be enough to get us fourth spot. Arsenal 2-0 Everton

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