Arsenal v Everton

…where many will be predicting an Arsenal win, particularly given their level of performance against Reading last week that had everybody squealing with delight.

Some say it was that good they even felt a little bit of wee come out!

Paul Merson was clearly one of those pant wetters and he came out with

possibly the most patronising bit of punditry ever when he said at half

time:

"The Reading fans should be applauding Arsenal off the pitch there. They

should feel privileged to be watching football like that!"

Admittedly, they looked class, but quite why a set of fans would applaud

the opposition for twatting them everywhere is beyond me.

But then again I'm not one of those people that gets a bang out of

seeing other teams play good football.

I just want to see Everton play well and that's it.

No, forget that, I just want to see Everton win, if they play well and

we're entertained then that's a bonus.

Which brings me nicely on to the webbing we are about to receive at the

Emirates' tomorrow.

When they are on top of their game there is probably no team in the

world that can match Arsenal as an attacking force.

And they are certainly in form at the moment as they have won their last

five matches, scoring 13 and conceding just one.

But the good news for Everton is that they've struggled against the

better sides who have visited the Emirates this season.

Aston Villa and Middlesbrough have both picked up draws there and the

only teams they have beaten are Sheffield United and Watford.

And we've beaten both of them at home ourselves.

Historically, Arsenal away has been a dog of a fixture for us as we have

won just one of our fourteen Premiership matches down at their gaff.

Andrei Kanchelskis celebrates his 84th minute winner as Everton win at Arsenal for the first and only time in the Premiership. That was on 20th January 1996… what do you mean we're not due a win?!

And the worse news is that they have put four or more goals (ie. seven!)

past us in five of those matches!

But, to look at things more positively, this is the best side we've ever

had in the Premiership (no, really it is!) and, as at Spurs in August,

you could say that we're due a win!

As far as team news goes, Phil Neville is to face a late fitness test

and, if fit, he will probably slot in at right back.

Having said that, Simon Davies did a good job there in the week so

Neville may just revert to his role as part of the five-man midfield.

For Arsenal, it'll probably be Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie up

front after Emmanuel Adebayour picked up an injury in midweek.

This is going to be our toughest test of the season so far and it kicks

of a tough month that sees us travel to Fulham, Charlton and Man United,

places we never win, and face Villa and Bolton at home.

And, once we get through this game, we've got to contend with Arsenal

youth at Goodison in a couple of weeks as we try to make the last eight

of the Carling Cup.

Up the Blues!