Everton have been handed a major boost ahead of their game against Arsenal, but the Blues will still be up against it on Saturday.
Despite losing last weekend against Chelsea, Everton remain in a strong position to hold a spot in the top half of the table at Christmas.
A lot can change in the space of just one game in the Premier League and David Moyes was certainly staring down the barrel of two massive injury blows this week.
On Friday, it was confirmed that Jack Grealish is fit to face Arsenal after coming off against Chelsea with a hamstring issue.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has not made the cut, but Moyes did sound cautiously optimistic about the 27-year-old.
Heading into the game against the Gunners, Paul Merson has shared his prediction for the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Paul Merson shares his Everton vs Arsenal prediction
Last week, Merson predicted Chelsea to beat Everton, but he did concede that the Toffees would cause Enzo Maresca’s side some problems.
That did turn out to be the case despite it being Everton who finished the game with the biggest issues.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson has admitted that he can see Everton doing the same against Arsenal, who have looked ‘nervous’ in recent weeks.
Everton may need a miracle this weekend! Are Everton going to defy the odds and beat Arsenal this weekend? 😬
Let us know your score predictions…
“Everton are a different animal with Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish in their team. They played well even though they lost to Chelsea last weekend,” said the Sky Sports pundit.
“A few years ago, I would have backed Arsenal to win this game comfortably. But when I look at this Everton team, I think they can cause Arsenal a few problems.
“Arsenal will be under immense pressure during this game. When I watched them against Wolves, I thought they looked a bit nervous. I’m going to back Arsenal to win, but the more I think about it, the more I start doubting my [2-1 to Arsenal] prediction!”
Chris Sutton is also predicting Arsenal to beat Everton, but interestingly, neither think it will prove an easy game for the Gunners.
There will certainly have been an expectation for Grealish to also be absent, which will surely give both Everton players and fans a big boost going into the game.
Jack Grealish’s availability could change Merson’s mind
It was a huge boost for Everton knowing that the 30-year-old winger would, in fact, be available for selection on Saturday.
Grealish boasts a sensational record against Arsenal, which made his fitness even more important ahead of the game.
How much more confident are you now Grealish has been declared fit? 🤩
Missing the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall takes away so much of Everton’s experience behind Thierno Barry.
With Tyler Dibling expected to start against Arsenal, having Grealish in the attack will prove a massive boost for all concerned at Everton.
Merson knew Grealish was an injury doubt ahead of making his prediction, but the fresh update of his availability may well already see the pundit question his tight 2-1 prediction.
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