By Pranav Shahaney

3rd Feb, 2023 | 9:40pm

Joleon Lescott predicts Everton Premier League clash v Arsenal

Joleon Lescott expects his former side Everton to continue their losing run with another defeat against Arsenal on 4 February.

They’re with 15 points from 20 games and the only thing keeping them from being bottom is goal difference from Southampton.

The last they want in Sean Dyche’s first game in charge is a fixture against league leaders and the in-form Arsenal side.

Lescott told Livescore, “Nobody is expecting much from Everton here but you don’t get free hits in their current position — every result matters.

“But even if it does stay level for a while, I can’t see the Gunners panicking.

“I’d love to be proven wrong but I expect Arsenal to come out on top.

“Prediction: Everton 1-2 Arsenal.”

Draw on the cards

Regardless of the poor management of the club, the fans are certainly going to be excited for the first game Dyche is in charge.

Goodison Park can be a real fortress when fans want it to be, and we’re expecting them to create a hostile playing environment for Arsenal.

Despite them being league leaders, Dyche will surely take the fear out of his players and make them play the brand of football he’s comfortable with.

The fact that it’s a new manager in charge means that the players will be buoyed by the occasion and will want to be in his good books from day one.

He starts with a clean slate so there will be no favourites in the squad and the ones being picked will be chosen on merit and nothing else.

This is a good chance for some of the outcasts to prove their worth to the former Burnley manager and they will be showing up against Arsenal.