Everton have always struggled when facing Arsenal away from Goodison Park since the Premier League started way back in 1992. Everton’s only Premier League victory on Arsenal turf was 1-2 on 20 January 1996, when Graham Stuart and Andrei Kanchelskis scored. David Moyes will be looking for something similar as the Merseysiders look to get their season back on track after a poor start.

Tim Cahill is still unavailable for the Toffees after his red card against Liverpool was upheld. Cahill is the only major absentee for Everton for this weekend’s game against the Gunners.

James Vaughan should have a place in the squad secured for this weekend after his two goals sealed a great comeback from 2-0 down to beat their Merseyside rivals 3-2 in the reserves on Wednesday.

It is believed that Moyes will revert back to a 4-5-1 formation to try and deal with Arsenal’s frontline attack with Louis Saha most probably making way for Segundo Castillo. Article Continues Below.

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Article Continues: Arsenal will be without the trio of William Gallas (hamstring), Bacary Sagna (knee) and Nicklas Bendtner (ankle) after picking up injuries while on international duty. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger termed their absence as “heavy losses” but had better news on other injured players with Robin van Persie, Johan Djourou and Cesc Fabregas all expected to be available.

The referee for the game on Saturday is Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

FollowEverton prediction: Well we are a positive bunch here, Moyes has signed and I think that could spur the team on, maybe a 1-1?

Will you be following Everton this weekend? What will the score be? Leave your comments below.

4 Responses »

1. Blue Raj on October 16th, 2008 at 7:14 pm:

   Their worst defender is Gallas, who’s out now- so Djourou, who is very solid, will play.

   Add the returning Diaby to that and they will have some big players back and the aerial assualt against them won’t be so effective.

   Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie, Vela and Diaby all have the ability to find that pass that cuts open our defence, so a 4-5-1 is quite a gamble. I say 4-4-2 and go for it attacking-wise

2. 49 Unbeaten on October 16th, 2008 at 7:43 pm:

   This might be a good time to play us although i think Cahill will be a big miss for you as he likes to play against us. Cesc has a broken nose so his overall play might be on the cautious side and limit him somewhat. If Nasri/Vela starts on the left i’ll be quietly confident. If Diaby starts in the middle i’ll be very nervous indeed. He’s been out for months, he’ll be rusty and when he returns from an injury he’s soooo slow and ALWAYS get’s caught in possesion while he’s working out what to do with the ball and also slows down our counter attacks. Nail-biting. May the team that wants it more win…..

3. I. Gassama on October 16th, 2008 at 7:51 pm:

   Please Arsene use ebou 2 and sìlvestre 4 and the gunners will come out with flying colours.

4. ODIGIE on October 16th, 2008 at 8:18 pm:

   I TINK DIS IS D BEST TIME 4 SILVESTRE TO SHINE.THEO SHLD COM AS A SUB