Chris Sutton declares Everton ‘real threat’ in bold Arsenal prediction
Chris Sutton was full of praise for Everton, as he gave his prediction on their clash with Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
After defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, Everton face another tough task this weekend, as they welcome the Gunners to Goodison Park.
David Moyes’ side are looking for their first win in five Premier League games but face an Arsenal side who look somewhat back to their best.
The North London side have won both of their last two matches, and on Tuesday, star man Bukayo Saka came off the bench to score against Fulham on his return from injury.
Despite his lack of match fitness, if the winger features in the contest, the Everton defence will undoubtedly see him as the main threat.
Sutton impressed with Everton’s defensive strength
In the reverse fixture at the Emirates, Everton put in a classic away performance, restricting Mikel Arteta’s side to very few chances in the 0-0 draw to secure a well-earned point.
The Toffees will need to produce something similar on Saturday, if they are to have any hope of competing against the Premier League’s second-best team.
However, writing in his BBC Sport predictions (4 April), Sutton believes that the Toffees have what it takes to get a result, and thinks the contest will finish 1-1.
| Fixture | Result |
| Liverpool (A) | 1-0 L |
| West Ham (H) | 1-1 D |
| Wolves (A) | 1-1 D |
| Brentford (A) | 1-1 D |
| Man United (H) | 2-2 D |
He said: “This is going to be difficult for Arsenal. Everton defended so well against Liverpool on Wednesday, and they carried a real threat too, with Beto running in behind.
“Bukayo Saka was back for the Gunners against Fulham and he will obviously boost their attack but they have picked up a few defensive injuries, including Gabriel being out for the rest of the season.
“Mikel Arteta’s side have got Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid to think about and, on top of that, this is an early kick-off to deal with too. None of that helps.
“I want Arsenal to keep on winning to put some pressure on Liverpool but Everton drew 0-0 at Emirates Stadium in December, when Sean Dyche was in charge, and everything points towards a similar outcome this time.”
Everton continue solid start under Moyes
Since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in early January, he has made them extremely hard to beat, picking up four wins and five draws in eleven league games.
The Scot has only seen his side fall to defeat twice in the Premier League, as well as exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Bournemouth.
When it was announced that Moyes was returning for his second spell at the helm, Everton sat in 16th, just one point above the relegation zone.
However, the appointment has had the desired effect, with the former Manchester United manager steering the Toffees clear of the bottom three.
Moyes’ side are now 14 points clear of Ipswich in 18th, and are in no danger of playing Championship football next season.