Everton welcome table-toppers Arsenal to Goodison Park on February 4 as Sean Dyche attempts to get his reign at the Toffees off to a flying start. However, that is easier said than done against arguably the best team in the country so far this season.
Everton vs Arsenal Predictions and Best Odds for Premier League Showdown
Sean Dyche on coming up against Arsenal in his first game as Everton manager:
“Fine side. They’re a very good side. Obviously, people are talking about them winning the title, so that stands for itself. I think they’ll know that I usually put out a team ready for the challenge.” pic.twitter.com/hBBgZekNtY
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley) February 2, 2023
Everton Current Run of Form
It is impossible to describe Everton’s current run of form as anything other than dreadful. The Toffees are winless in their last five Premier League games, losing four in that time. It is a run of form which has resulted in not only the club slipping to 19th place in the league, but also in their ex-manager Frank Lampard losing his job.
His sacking came after a 2-0 defeat away to West Ham United, which saw his side muster just five shots on goal, despite recording 66% possession.
A Possible New Manager Bounce
However, there is a reason for cautious optimism from the home side in this game. One of the oldest concepts in football history is the idea of a new manager bounce. Essentially, a team usually enjoys an upturn of form after replacing their old coach with a new one.
New boss Dyche will have an opportunity to prove that theory right once again in this match. The home crowd will likely be buoyed by the appointment and he can use that to his advantage.
Arsenal Current Run of Form
Despite that, it is still going to be incredibly difficult for Dyche’s side to get anything from this game. The Gunners come into this match in great form, having won four of their last five Premier League fixtures and currently sit five points clear at the top of the table.
Read More: Arsenal Begin Long Title Run-In With Reinforced Squad
A defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup last time out could be a confidence-sapper, however, with Mikel Arteta making six changes for that game, it is likely to be nothing more than a mere blip in what has been a truly impressive campaign so far. This is going to be an extremely tough test for Everton, with or without a new manager bounce.
Recent Head-to Head
The recent results between these two sides should be somewhat encouraging for Everton fans though. Since 2020, they have played each other five times in the Premier League, and the Toffees have won three of them. The most recent instalment saw the Gunners secure a 5-1 victory, however, that game occurred on the last day of the season when Everton had very little to play for.
Everton vs Arsenal Prediction
For the reasons mentioned, this will not be a walk in the park for the Gunners, despite Everton’s incredibly poor form. Dyche will almost definitely make Everton far tougher to beat than they were under Lampard, and the home crowd will do everything they can to unsettle the visitors.
Read More: Arsenal Predicted Lineup for Away Trip to Everton
However, Arteta’s young side are mentally strong and have already secured away victories in intense atmospheres on more than one occasion this season – most recently against their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Therefore, expect Arsenal to get the job done again in this game, although they will certainly be made to work for it.
Current Best Odds: Everton vs Arsenal
The bookmakers agree with that prediction, with an away win for the Gunners coming in at 4/11. The next most likely outcome is a draw at 19/5, whilst a home win for Everton is currently priced at 15/2.
