Everton play host to Arsenal in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off at Goodison Park.
Everton have improved since David Moyes took the reins, sitting 14 points clear of the bottom three with just eight games to go.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are 12 points below Premier League leaders Liverpool, though they could cut that gap back down to nine points.
Paul Merson has now predicted how Everton and Arsenal will fare in what is set to be the Gunners’ last game at Goodison Park.
Paul Merson backs Everton to run out 2-1 winners over Arsenal
Merson believes Arsenal would win 1-0 if they named their strongest possible line-up, but he doesn’t see that happening.
The Gunners take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals next week, and the tie is likely to be their main priority for the season.
As a result, Merson reckons Arteta will rotate his starting XI, which Everton will make the most of, and he predicted a 2-1 home win.
“This is a hard game for Arsenal,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda. “They are definitely out of the Premier League title race.
“Liverpool will now have to lose half their games, while Arsenal win all their remaining matches, for it to change and that is impossible!
“Mikel Arteta’s men also have the big game against Real Madrid coming up next week.
“I fully believe Arsenal will rest some key players for this game.”
Merson went on to say: “If Arsenal play their strongest team, they will win this fixture 1-0.
“But I have a feeling they will play a weakened XI after the injury to Gabriel and as such, I’m backing Everton to win this.
“Prediction: Everton 2-1 Arsenal.”
Everton v Arsenal team news
Dwight McNeil is back in training for Everton after four months out and could be back in the squad to face Arsenal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury that has ruled him out since January, but is unlikely to be ready for this game.
Jesper Lindstrom is nursing a groin problem which kept him out of the midweek derby with Liverpool.
Finally, Orel Mangala is back at Lyon after a knee injury curtailed his loan spell.
As for Arsenal, Gabriel is out for the season due to the hamstring injury he suffered against Fulham which will require surgery.
Jurrien Timber and Ben White will face late fitness tests ahead of the Everton match.
Riccardo Calafiori has a knee problem and is set to miss a few weeks, while Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus will sit out the rest of the season alongside Gabriel.
