Everton continue their emphatic run in the Barclays Premier League as they challenge for a Champions League spot. A win for the Toffees at the Emirates tonight will bring them closer to their European dream.
For long the Merseyside outfit had remained in the shadows of their fierce rivals Liverpool who earned the bragging rights for quite some time. However there has been a change in the course of events, and as Everton have gone from strength to strength their rivals have been moving in the opposite direction.

Everton under the guidance of their loyal manager David Moyes, have leapfrogged their Merseyside rivals this season and are now challenging for a top four spot in the Barclays Premier League.

The Toffees are currently on a five match unbeaten run in the league, and have defeated title contenders Manchester City in the process. They were unlucky to concede a late goal against Tottenham and with striker Victor Anichebe unable to convert a chance late in the game, Everton had to settle for just a single point.

Having done so well against the top teams recently, Everton will be relishing their chances against Arsenal when they face them at the Emirates tonight. They will have their hopes rested on the services of Belgium international Kevin Mirallas , who after a slow start in the Premier League, has started showing his true colours.

The striker has scored two goals in his last three appearances for Everton both of which were extraordinary goals, one scored against Stoke at the Goodison Park and the other against Tottenham at the White Hart Lane.

The 25 year old will be keen to leave his mark at the Emirates, and show Arsene Wenger what exactly he missed out in the summer transfer window.

His compatriot and Chelsea target Marouane Fellaini will also need to rediscover his excellent form which prevailed at the beginning of the season. The midfielder had been a revelation for the side,and on their opening fixture of this year's Barclays Premier League he inspired them towards a victory over current league leaders Manchester United.

The Belgian surely has quality in abundance, it was his first half strike which denied Arsenal all three points when the two sides met back in November at the Goodison Park, this times perhaps he could guide his side to a victory which could do wonders for his team’s top four credentials this season.

However it will not be all too easy for the Toffees, as they face a rejuvenated Arsenal side brimming with confidence. The Gunners have earned maximum points in their last four encounters, and will be aiming to maintain their amazing run by defeating Everton in what would be their fifth straight victory in the Barclays Premier League.

The Gunners showcased a never die spirit against Norwich in their last game, as they came from one goal down to defeat the Canaries 3-1. The comeback was initiated by former Everton man Mikel Arteta who will have no time for a happy reunion, as he will use this opportunity to score an integral win against his former employees where he spent six years.

Theo Walcott who was only good enough to start on the bench on Saturday, is expected to make a return to the starting eleven. He will be against his international teammate Leighton Baines, who will be looking to minimise the threat posed by the speedy winger.

Lukasz Fabianski’s injury however, could allow young Wojciech Szczesny to regain his berth at the goal, a position which he recently lost to his compatriot. It will be interesting to see whether the cocky Pole can retain his position for good, or whether Everton can take advantage of his misfortune.

With only four points separating the two, a win for either side could change the course of the top four race. If Arsenal manage to win this one, they will be the forerunners in the battle. Everton on the other hand can open the top four race wide open by winning this tie, and could eventually themselves register a place in the next edition of Europe’s most coveted competition.