Premier League | Matchweek 17 | Saturday, December 20, 2025
Everton host league leaders Arsenal at the new Everton Stadium on Saturday evening in a daunting fixture for David Moyes’ side. The Toffees sit 13th on 24 points following back-to-back defeats, while Arsenal occupy top spot with 36 points and a commanding plus-20 goal difference as they chase the Premier League title.
Table Context
Arsenal’s credentials are beyond question. They lead the division by a comfortable margin and boast the best away record in the league. Everton’s minus-1 goal difference reflects a side struggling for consistency, hovering uncomfortably above the relegation zone with the festive fixture congestion approaching.
Everton Form
Everton’s recent overall form reads L-D-W-L-L, highlighting their inability to string results together. The 2-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend exposed a familiar problem: without a fully fit striker, the Toffees lack cutting edge in the final third.
Home form at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium has been mixed. Moyes will hope the atmosphere generated by supporters in their new surroundings can lift a squad low on confidence.
Arsenal Form
Arsenal have been imperious on their travels this season, recording the best away record in the Premier League. Their most recent road trip produced a 2-1 victory at Wolves, extending their remarkable run of form.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard are operating at peak levels, providing the creativity that has driven Arsenal’s title charge.
Tactical Outlook
The tactical approach is predetermined. Everton will deploy a deep 4-5-1 low block, aiming to frustrate Arsenal and deny space for their attacking players. Arsenal can expect approximately 70% possession as they attempt to unlock a compact defensive structure.
Set-pieces represent Everton’s primary route to goal. James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite pose genuine aerial threats from deliveries by Dwight McNeil and James Garner. However, they face the league’s best set-piece defense in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, making quality of delivery paramount.
Team News
Everton remain without a fully fit Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Beto or Youssef Chermiti will likely lead the line in his absence. Jarrad Branthwaite is crucial for this fixture; should he miss out, Michael Keane would become a target for Arsenal’s aggressive pressing game.
Arsenal arrive with no significant injury concerns. Saka and Ødegaard spearhead an attack functioning at full capacity.
Everton (Probable XI – 4-5-1): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Harrison, Doucouré, Ndiaye; Beto.
Arsenal (Probable XI – 4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Ødegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Numbers to Watch
- 36: Arsenal’s league-leading points tally
- +20: Arsenal’s goal difference, best in the division
- 70%: Expected Arsenal possession at Bramley-Moore Dock
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 5:30 PM GMT / 12:30 PM ET
UK: Sky Sports | US: Peacock, NBC Sports
