Arsenal travel to Everton for their crucial Premier League encounter with Ramsey and Ozil set to start the game as Xhaka and Koscielny remain doubtful.
Unai Emery will have to tinker through his personnel to field a lineup that is capable of solving some of Arsenal’s away day problems. The Gunners have enjoyed a solid season at home but not so much on the road. From the remaining 7 games, they have to play, five are away from home starting with this game against Everton.
As for some team news, Arsenal will miss some key players for their trip to Goodison Park. Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny are both significant doubts as was the case against Newcastle last weekend. Aaron Ramsey, who limped off against the Toons is available following his part in full training during this week.
During his press conference, Emery was asked numerous queries and among those were the prominent question regarding Mesut Ozil. The German has enjoyed a resurgence of form under the manager of late and is expected to start yet another game, but more importantly an away game, something the manager felt reserved to start him in previous games on the road.
Emery said,“ He’s working very well, playing very well, he’s helping us. I’m very happy with him. I think the team has a good atmosphere, good spirit with each player helping us with their qualities and good behaviour. That’s the spirit I want, they are doing that, and Mesut is like the others.”
Bernd Leno will be the likely contender between the posts. Emery will again stick to his three-man defence at the back. With Koscielny a doubt, he’d stick with the trio of Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and Nacho Monreal who secured a clean sheet against Newcastle. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac will take their wing-back positions on either side.
With Lucas Torreira missing through suspension and Xhaka still doubtful, the manager will again look to place Ramsey and Matteo Guendouzi in central midfield. As a back-up, there’s Mohamed Elneny who can come and help from the bench if needed.
Mesut Ozil could take his place from the left side of attack and as part of a front three. Top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and striker Alexandre Lacazette are likely contenders to take the other two attacking positions up front. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Denis Suarez, and Alex Iwobi are all other options in the attacking third, although the trio could start the game from the bench.
