I can't wait for this match!
By the way, that was complete sarcasm. I am afraid of Arsenal. We have not beaten them in quite a while (last time was in 2007), and they have the one thing that we have been desperate to find - scorers. They have had some problems up front, but they still have been scoring in bunches. Also, I'm the biggest pessimist ever, so did you guys really think that I was looking forward to a victory here, or even be happy in this preview?
We do have a couple of things going for us though. We have a history of playing well against good teams, and then shitting the bed against bad teams. We're also historically good at home. But this season we have only been average at Goodison Park. Plus - I hate to remind everyone, but I'm sure you all remember what happened the last time the Gunners visited Goodison. If you don't remember, don't look it up, it will ruin your day.
You know what would have been really great? A big physical presence in the midfield, that would make the lives of Fabregas, Song, and Nasri miserable. Too bad he went psycho on everyone and got a three-match ban.
Alright, enough sad talk about the deficiencies of Everton.
We will obviously be without Fellaini, Anichebe, Osman, and Barkley. Rodwell has a good chance to at least play even though he has been on the roster the last couple of matches. Arsenal will be without Almunia, Diaby, Ramsey, Vermaelen, Frimpong, and Koscielny.
All of Arsenal's midfielders/forwards scare me, so I guess we'll gave to keep an eye on all of them. The most important is obviously Fabregas, but Walcott, Chamakh, and Nasri are all dangerous.
I think we all know who the most important for Everton is going to be. Whomever, starts at forward and/or comes in as a substitute for the same position. That means Beckford, Yakubu, or Saha. Everyone else has been playing well or has been scoring, especially Tim Cahill. Beckford finally scored with a spectacular goal (that is really understating it to be honest) to steal a last minute point against Bolton.
If someone finally steps up in the forward position, we may have a shot at capturing three points. It's really hope though. I surely don't expect it.
Everton Possible Starting XI: Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Heitinga, Arteta, Pienaar, Cahill, Yakubu
Arsenal Possible Starting XI: Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Chamakh
Match: Everton v Arsenal
Location: Goodison Park
Date: Sunday November 14th, 2010
Time: 2PM GST ; 9AM ET