Everton v Arsenal predictions: Gunners can inflict more woe on Rafael Benitez

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Everton v Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League & Main Event, 8pm Monday

Best bet

Arsenal
1pt 6-5 Betfred, Coral, Ladbrokes

Team news

Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still out and Salomon Rondon injured his hamstring in Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Liverpool. Mason Holgate is available after a ban.

Arsenal
Sead Kolasinac and Granit Xhaka remain long-term absentees but Bukayo Saka will be pushing for a starting spot.

Match preview

Familiar messages have been coming out of Goodison Park this week about staying calm and continuing to work hard, but there is no escaping that all is not well at Everton.

It was essential that Rafa Benitez got off to a fast start in the Toffees hotseat with his historical links to arch-rivals Liverpool, but the early green shoots have failed to germinate, and a run of six defeats in seven matches has left the Spaniard clinging to his job just months after replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

That they were outclassed in the most recent of those losses when brushed aside by their Merseyside neighbours not only exposed the chasm that separates the two clubs at either end of Stanley Park, but also how far Everton have to go to make any sort of meaningful contribution to the Premier League season.

It still seems unlikely that they will be embroiled in a relegation battle, but they need to show they are not an irrelevance and that has to start against Arsenal on Monday.

Not all of the issues can be laid at Benitez's door.

It is not his fault that the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin has played only three matches this season - they earned seven points from the games in which the England striker appeared and have gained just eight in their subsequent 11 assignments.

And while they have taken just one point from their last four home league games, it should be remembered that they won just two of their final 12 league matches at Goodison at the end of last season before Benitez arrived.

But a hostile atmosphere may not help and the Gunners should be able to take advantage.

Their manager Mikel Arteta was under pressure himself after three straight defeats at the start of the season, but they look to be heading in the right direction and patience at the Emirates could be rewarded.

A 4-0 loss at Liverpool and, to a lesser extent, their 3-2 defeat at Manchester United has shown the development has only gone so far, but Arteta has allowed young players to flourish this year and now has a decent squad.

Qualification for next season's Champions League is a realistic target with players such as Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard looking the part, while the introduction of full-backs Takehiro Tomiyasu and Nuno Tavares have provided an additional attacking dimension.

Arsenal have kept four clean sheets in their last six matches too, so they are capable of keeping out the Toffees limp attack and the Gunners can claim their third away win of the season, turning the pressure up on Benitez in the process.

Key stat

Everton have taken just two points from their last eight Premier League games.

Inside info

Everton

Penalty taker Andros Townsend
Free-kick wizard Lucas Digne
Set-piece aerial threat Michael Keane
Card magnet Abdoulaye Doucoure

Arsenal

Penalty taker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Free-kick wizardPierre-Emerick Aubameyang/Martin Odegaard
Set-piece aerial threatAlbert Sambi Lokonga
Card magnetGabriel

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport