Pre-season matches are always relevant, and their importance is even bigger when you face one of your regular opponents. In this case, Arsenal and Everton will try to make an impression ahead of the upcoming English Premier League season, when both sides meet to determine who wins the Barclay's Asia Trophy.
Everton won their place in the final match after a grueling match against Stoke City, which ended up with a penalty shoot-out. Goalkeeper Tim Howard proved his worth after denying a penalty to recently loaned Marco Van Ginkel, giving captain Phil Jagielka the chance to seal the deal for the Toffees.
For this match, coach Roberto Martinez might have right back Seamus Coleman available, as he missed the game against Stoke. Furthermore, Tom Cleverley could be making his debut with the Blues after joining the team recently. The former Manchester United player has not performed in any of the two pre-season friendlies the team has played, and this seems like a good chance to see what he can contribute to his new squad.
The Gunners, on the other hand, had an easy game against the Singapore Select XI, with Chuba Akpom stealing the headlines with a hat-trick. Although Arsene Wenger's crew is still adding some talent to their team, the club will miss the contribution of Danny Welbeck, Tomas Rosicky and Alexis Sanchez, who were not included in the Asian tour. Fans should expect Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey to start along with newly signed shot-stopper Petr Cech, who hasn't made his debut with the North London side after completing his move from Chelsea.
Being this the second game for the Gunners and the third for the Toffees, we might expect Martinez's men to feel more lose around the pitch, even though Arsenal's class might be enough to make them emerge with the win despite not playing together for a while. We might expect a close match, since both teams know how to cancel each other's talents, and considering most of their recent games have ended with a draw.
Everton vs Arsenal team sheets
Everton lineup: Robles, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka (c), Garbutt, Barry, McCarthy, Deulofeu, Naismith, Cleverley, Kone
Arsenal lineup: Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Chambers, Gibbs, Ramsey, Cazorla, Wilshere, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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