Paul Merson has predicted Everton to suffer defeat at the hands of Arsenal on their return to Premier League action after the international break.
The Sky Sports pundit wrote in his Sportskeeda predictions column (14 September) that he “wouldn’t be surprised” by a draw since the Toffees “strangely turn up in these big games”.
But although he believes Mikel Arteta’s Gunners could be under pressure if Manchester City have already won he has gone for a 2-0 victory to the visitors on Sunday (17 September).
Merson said: “Everton strangely turn up in these big games so I wouldn’t be surprised if this one ends all square. One day, they’re going to start putting all their chances away and that will be the day they click.
“That said, Arsenal undoubtedly go into this game as overwhelming favourites and will be under pressure to get all three points if Manchester City win their game. This game is far from a foregone conclusion, but I fancy Arsenal to step up to the plate and pick up all three points.
“Arsenal have had their fair share of problems in recent weeks, but Gabriel Jesus’ return to full fitness is a massive boost. With UEFA Champions League football on the horizon, they’ll need timely contributions from everyone in the squad to compete on all fronts.”
Everton need to turn up for this big game as they have in the past, not least Sean Dyche’s first in charge, if only to show that they can pick up enough results this season to avoid disaster.
The 2-2 draw at Sheffield United before the international break was important to even register something after three defeats without scoring to begin the campaign.
But while there was enough at Bramall Lane to see a Toffees victory it still took a stunning Jordan Pickford intervention deep into injury time to avoid another loss.Getting a result in front of the fans at Goodison, against a side that is presumably going to be challenging for the title again this year, would help kickstart the season.
And after losing to both Fulham and Wolves against the run of play at home so far there would be few Evertonians against seeing their side steal an undeserved victory of their own if necessary.
It will obviously be a difficult game but Everton have responded before against the top sides when apparently incapable of beating anyone and this is an ideal opportunity to do so again.
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