Momentum is usually a major factor when it comes to good form at Arsenal so getting straight back on the bike will be important. Everton’s game plan is likely to be the same as most who visit the Emirates

My Bolton preview was called ‘Can only snow stop us going one point off top?’

It came down to the last minute, the game was in the balance until the snow struck, too late for Arsenal to come back. Arsene Wenger will not want the weather conditions to once again disrupt his team in their quest to close the gap at the top.

The last thing Arsene will need is yet another match to cram in between a list of squashed fixtures. If all goes according to plan Everton will be Arsenal’s opponents this afternoon. David Moyes will almost certainly use the first game of the season as a motivation for his players after having been so miserably crushed by a very classy Arsenal side on the day. It may be much to expect another six goals from the home side this afternoon but the team will be hoping to hit the ground running after a stop start week in the FA Cup and then the cancellation due to the fluffy white stuff.

Momentum is usually a major factor when it comes to good form at Arsenal so getting straight back on the bike will be important. Everton’s game plan is likely to be the same as most who visit the Emirates. Coming away with a draw is a positive result for every team in the league and it will not be any different for the Toffees. Deny space, condense the central areas to force Arsenal to cross balls, play on the break and use set pieces correctly is pretty much the template game plan for away sides these days.

Andrey Arshavin and Denilson are likely to be fit enough to start the game. Denilson slotting back in place of the departed Alex Song and will go about his job quietly and efficiently as always. Denilson may not have Song’s natural physical ability but the little busy Brazilian will swap brawn for brains by positioning himself in the right place to make blocks or make key interceptions.

Armand Traore will return to the fold after being rested at Upton Park. His improvement has been very enjoyable to watch over the last six weeks or so. I had been listening to an interview of his and I must say I was very pleased to hear how he came across, very level headed and mature.

I expect Aaron Ramsey to be rewarded for his excellent form of late with the creative midfield spot being primarily his with Diaby acting as the new Denilson whilst Denilson will be the new Song. Diaby’s physical power will be called upon against the likes of Fellaini and Pienaar. The pair will undoubtedly alternate during the 90 minutes but I expect Ramsey to pick up the strings more often than not, ready to pull away in the heart of the Arsenal midfield.

Tomas Rosicky is fit enough for the squad and having said all that about Ramsey could come into the center of midfield but that is highly unlikely. You would imagine that Rosicky will settle for a place on the bench while he looks for a run of substitute appearances without minor or major set backs before he will be asked to start a game.

Eduardo da Silva is on something of a goalscoring run at the moment and will be looking to add to his six goals this season. Eduardo scored a wonderful brace against Everton in December 2007 and will be itching to repeat that feat at home.

As the talk of needing a new striker flows through the football world, Eduardo could well regain his 2007/2008 form and fire Arsenal the goals needed to push Arsenal to the top of the table albeit from a slightly wider area of the pitch. It seems apparent that Arsene wants his center forward to knit all the attacking football together. Eduardo’s natural game is not about finding the cutting final pass but about sliding the ball past the keeper, this is why Arshavin continues as the central striker in Van Persie’s absence.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

This line up was the easiest I have ever had to create, I just renamed the postponed Bolton line up. It would have been different had Cesc Fabregas made the game in time but his injury has been allowed more time to heal properly from the boss. Gael Clichy and Nicklas Bendtner are close to rejoining the squad but at the moment we will have to make do with what we have, which is very good cover.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

I do not expect a whole glut of goals in a game which is likely to remain tight for large periods unless early goals are scored from Arsenal, however I expect Vermaelen and Gallas to remain tight and keep the stage clear for the attacking force to score the second half goals needed to collect three points. Law of averages suggest that Arshavin is due to get his name back in lights and Eduardo to continue his run of goals.