Mikel Arteta takes his Premier League leaders to a new setting on Saturday night, as Arsenal visit Everton’s new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, for the first time.
The Gunners maintained their two-point cushion at the summit with a fortunate 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, secured via a stoppage-time own goal. Now, they face a stern test against an Everton side managed by David Moyes. The Toffees sit ninth in the table despite a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out.
While Arsenal are eyeing the Christmas number one spot—a position they have held twice in the last four seasons—Everton are looking to correct a poor record against Champions League opposition. Crucially, they have lost all five such matches this term and will be desperate to break that streak in front of their home fans.
Everton vs Arsenal – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
- Referee: Samuel Barrott
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
- Last Meeting: Everton 1-1 Arsenal, 5 April 2025, Premier League
Team News
Everton
David Moyes confirmed a significant blow in his pre-match press conference: midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury against Chelsea. Furthermore, key players Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye have already departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, there is positive news regarding Jack Grealish. Moyes stated that the winger is “okay” and available to play despite feeling tightness last weekend. Additionally, Merlin Röhl has returned to training and could feature in the squad. Defensively, Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman remain sidelined, meaning Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien are set to continue in the backline.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta faces his own defensive reshuffle. Ben White has been ruled out for “a few games” with a hamstring injury sustained against Wolves. However, the Gunners welcome back Riccardo Calafiori from suspension. This should see Jurrien Timber shift to right-back, allowing Calafiori to slot in on the left.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi has been passed fit despite managing his load in training this week. Up front, Arteta described Mikel Merino as a “really serious option” to play as a striker, though Viktor Gyökeres is expected to retain his place for now. Gabriel Magalhães (thigh) and Kai Havertz (knee) remain unavailable.
Form
Everton
The Toffees have been solid at their new ground initially but have wobbled recently, losing two of their last four home games. Their record against the league’s elite is concerning; they have lost 83% of their games against Champions League teams this season. Despite this, Everton have been a bogey team for Arsenal at home in the past, losing just one of the Gunners’ last seven visits to Merseyside.
Arsenal
Arsenal’s away form has shown cracks recently. They have conceded the first goal in five of their last seven away matches, including the last three in a row. A win here would guarantee they are top of the table at Christmas. Defensively, they remain the league’s tightest unit overall with only 10 goals conceded, but they have developed a nervous habit late in games, conceding 40% of their goals in the final 10 minutes.
Predicted Lineups
Everton predicted XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Dibling, Alcaraz, Grealish; Barry
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard
How to watch Everton vs Arsenal?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 19:00 GMT.
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