Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sat 14 March 2026 10:47, UK

Jarrad Branthwaite could potentially be the key to victory for Everton against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

The centre-back has returned from his fitness issues at the Toffees and David Moyes would be wise to rely on him as Hill Dickinson Stadium hosts the Gunners on 14 March.

James Tarkowski and the 23-year-old Englishman have started alongside Jake O’Brien and Vitalii Mykolenko in the backline in the wins over Newcastle United and Burnley.

Moyes won’t want to tweak much against Arsenal, but a slight change in his defensive structure could potentially help the Merseyside outfit hamper Mikel Arteta’s title hopes.

Jarrad Branthwaite can shut down Bukayo Saka in Everton vs Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season as they look to end their Premier League trophy drought.

While the England international hasn’t posted the numbers many expected of him this season, the right-winger has still managed an average Sofascore rating of 7.23 in the top flight.

The 24-year-old has scored six goals, provided three assists, created nine big chances and completed 1.8 dribbles per game in the league.

Branthwaite seems like the right player to keep Saka under control, winning 67 per cent of his total duels in the Premier League this season compared to Mykolenko’s 52 per cent.

The centre-back has also averaged being dribbled past 0.3 times per game, while the 26-year-old left back has recorded 0.7 for the same.

The English defender has played as a full-back for Moyes in recent weeks, with Michael Keane surely good enough to start at centre-back for the Merseyside outfit.

David Moyes will want to win one battle vs Arsenal

Declan Rice has undoubtedly been pivotal to Arsenal’s success this season, pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

James Garner and Idrissa Gueye could potentially be decisive for Everton against the Gunners, with the midfield battle one to keep an eye on.

If the Toffees can keep Saka and Rice quiet, they will certainly have the best chance of getting the better of the league leaders in L4.

Moyes is aiming for a European finish in the Premier League, and three points against Arsenal will go a long way in achieving that goal.