As Arsenal prepares to face Everton in a crucial Premier League clash on April 5, 2025, the stakes are high for both teams. Arsenal, currently sitting second in the league, has seen their title hopes dim as they trail Liverpool by 12 points, making their chances of catching up increasingly slim. Meanwhile, Everton, under the guidance of manager David Moyes, is looking to solidify their position in the league after a recent resurgence.
Last season, Arsenal experienced a dramatic collapse during this same period, witnessing their championship aspirations fall apart within a week. In early April 2024, they were still in contention for the title while also reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League. However, a loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a subsequent 0-2 defeat to Aston Villa at home effectively ended their hopes of winning silverware. Although Arsenal won their last six matches after the Villa defeat, it was too little, too late.
This season, Arsenal's situation is precarious as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals next week. Manager Mikel Arteta must balance the team's lineup against Everton while ensuring his key players are fit for the more significant challenge ahead. With injuries to key players like Gabriel, Havertz, Jesus, and Tomiyasu, Arteta faces a tough decision regarding squad rotation.
Everton, on the other hand, is without their striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to injury but has shown resilience since Moyes returned to the club. They currently sit 15th in the Premier League with 34 points, 17 points clear of the relegation zone. Despite not winning in their last five matches, with four draws and one loss, Everton's recent performances have been commendable, including a narrow defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
In their last five encounters, Arsenal has had the upper hand, winning three times, drawing once, and losing only once. However, their record at Goodison Park has been less than stellar, winning only three out of their last 26 visits. This historical context adds pressure on the Gunners as they seek to avoid a slip-up against a determined Everton side.
The match is expected to be competitive, with Arsenal's attacking options bolstered by the return of Bukayo Saka, who recently scored in a 2-1 victory over Fulham. However, the absence of several key players could hinder Arsenal's performance. Everton's defense, which has struggled recently, will need to step up to contain Arsenal's attack.
Statistically, Arsenal has a higher ELO rating of 96 compared to Everton's 88, indicating a stronger overall performance this season. Their chances of winning are estimated at 61.9%, while Everton's chances sit at 15.7%. The probability of a draw is predicted to be 22.5%. Despite these numbers, the unpredictability of football means anything can happen on the day.
As the match approaches, the focus will be on how Arteta manages his squad and whether Everton can capitalize on Arsenal's vulnerabilities. With both teams vying for points for different reasons, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at Goodison Park.
In terms of match specifics, both teams have their injury concerns. Arsenal will miss Calafiori, Gabriel, Havertz, Jesus, and Tomiyasu, while Saliba's fitness remains uncertain. Everton's injury list includes Calvert-Lewin, but they welcome back some key players. The match kicks off at 18:30 local time, and anticipation is building as fans await what could be a pivotal moment in both teams' seasons.
Mark Hughton from Sky Sports commented on the matchup, stating, "Everton is improving under David Moyes. Arsenal will likely not risk everything in a match like this, as their focus will be on the upcoming game against Real Madrid. This could be an opportunity for Everton to create a surprise."
With the history between these two clubs and the current form of both teams, fans should prepare for an exciting match filled with drama, tension, and perhaps even a few surprises. As Arsenal looks to maintain their grip on a Champions League spot and Everton seeks to continue their climb away from the relegation zone, every point will matter.
