League leaders Arsenal travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for a Saturday evening clash against Everton, seeking to maintain their advantage at the top while navigating their own injury concerns.
Arsenal's defensive situation
Mikel Arteta has been managing a depleted squad for weeks, and the trip to Merseyside presents fresh challenges. Gabriel Magalhães remains the most significant absence – the Brazilian has not featured since aggravating a muscle injury against West Ham and is not expected to return until after Christmas, potentially targeting the Aston Villa fixture on December 30.
Ben White is now a concern after limping off against Wolves with what Arteta described as "a hamstring, so we don't know the extent of that." The defender joins Kai Havertz (knee), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) and teenager Max Dowman (ankle ligament damage) on the treatment table.
The positive news: William Saliba, Declan Rice, Jurriën Timber and Leandro Trossard all came through the Wolves victory unscathed after carrying knocks into that fixture.
Everton's resurgence under new structure
The Toffees have shown improved form in recent weeks, with their 4-0 demolition of Wolves showcasing the potential within this squad when defensive organisation meets clinical finishing. Jack Grealish has begun justifying his move from Manchester City, while Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has provided the midfield energy that was lacking earlier in the campaign.
Seamus Coleman (hamstring) remains sidelined until the new year, but Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly nearing a long-awaited return from his own hamstring issue, which would significantly strengthen the defensive options.
Tactical considerations
Without Gabriel, Arsenal lose more than defensive solidity. The Brazilian's threat from corners – he leads the team alongside Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in league goals from defenders – removes a key attacking weapon. Jakub Kiwior has deputised adequately, but he lacks Gabriel's aerial dominance and progressive carrying ability.
Everton will look to make the Hill Dickinson Stadium an uncomfortable venue. Their physicality and direct approach could trouble an Arsenal side that has occasionally struggled against teams willing to compete in aerial duels and second ball situations.
Key matchup: Eberechi Eze vs Everton's midfield
Eze has grown into his Arsenal role since joining from Crystal Palace, offering the creativity and ball-carrying that Arteta prizes. His ability to drift into half-spaces and commit defenders will be crucial against Everton's disciplined defensive block.
James Garner will be tasked with tracking Eze's movements while maintaining Everton's defensive shape – a significant tactical battle that could determine the match outcome.
Prediction
Arsenal's quality should prevail, but this will not be straightforward. The Gunners' defensive reshuffling and Gabriel's absence make them vulnerable to set pieces. A tight 2-1 victory for Arsenal, with nervy moments throughout.
