Everton v Arsenal - Match preview

Last updated : 04 April 2014 By Kevin DeRaffaele

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has come out and said that the title race is not over yet and after Chelsea dropped points against Crystal Palace last weekend, anything is possible with only 6 games remaining. There is a boost of confidence in this Arsenal side after drawing 1-1 against Manchester City but Arsenal will need to be in top form on Sunday going up against an Everton side who has won 5 straight Premier League games. Their last loss was against Chelsea back in February.

On the Arsenal front, Aaron Ramsey (yes! Aaron Ramsey!) will be in the squad on Sunday, as well as defender Nacho Monreal. It has been a difficult rehab for Ramsey who had some drawbacks during recovery but practiced in full with the 1st team this week. Wenger admitted the only thing Ramsey lacks now is competition and let's hope he'll see some time against Everton on Sunday. He is a great box to box player and can deliver when Arsenal need it most. Walcott's season return has been officially ruled out after undergoing knee surgery, but Wenger is hopeful that Wilshere and Ozil will make full recoveries and will return for the last part of the season. This could potentially be big returns for Arsenal if the fight for the title is still up for grabs.

As for Everton, there have been some talks this week about the future of striker Romelu Lukaku (12 Premier League goals this season). Tottenham have been in talks about a summer signing but Everton manager, Roberto Martinez, is confident that bringing Everton to the Champions League will convince Lukaku to stay at the club. Martinez will first have to get Everton to the Champions League and it will start will a win this weekend, which will be difficult. Captain Phil Jagielka will remain out of the lineup for Everton after undergoing a hamstring injury in February. With World Cup aspirations, Martinez is in no rush to bring him back even though he has been pivotal in Everton's Champions League push. This will be the 3rd time Arsenal face Everton.

A 1-1 draw in December at the Emirates and a 4-1 romp in the FA Cup bring us to this crucial point in the season. Both teams want the last Champions League spot and Arsenal are potentially still in the race for a title. A win for Arsenal on Sunday will be vital in their pursuit for a Champions League spot as well as a possible Premier League title. A Champions League spot, a potential FA Cup trophy and a possible (slightly, of course) Premier League title are still in reach for the Gunners.